Burleson ISD Opens Its First Ever Middle School Of Choice

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

BURLESON (CBSDFW.COM) - Burleson Independent School District middle school students start the semester at the new and permanent location of the district's first Science, Technology, Engineering, graphic Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Middle School of choice, according to a BISD news release.

The new school provides 500 students with courses and electives that integrate science, technology, engineering and math content with art elements that focus on visual and graphic design. Curriculum takes a project-based approach, using advanced technology in an alternative learning environment.

"This school is the result of the dedication our district has made to make learning relevant and exciting," said Superintendent Dr. Bret Jimerson. "STEAM is a technologically-advanced campus with creative learning spaces, and is the first of many innovative choices our district will offer students."

Each student has a laptop to assist with learning in the classroom or to use in collaborative areas or the media center. The building design also includes quiet areas for independent work or studying.

BISD Trustee Andy Pickens toured the new middle school, which his son attends.

"The construction design and technology available at STEAM meets the educational needs of our students and will help to better prepare them for college and tech-savvy futures," said Trustee Pickens. "I appreciate Dr. Jimerson's leadership and the vision of the board to continue to make choices available to our students."

STEAM Middle School is now located at 900 SW Hillside Drive, a former elementary school. Students were temporarily housed at Burleson's Centennial High School while renovations were made to the permanent STEAM Middle School campus.

"This building does not even resemble the previous schools held here," said BISD Board Director Shawn Minor. "STEAM's campus allowed us to repurpose and maximize an existing facility to best serve the educational needs of our community, for significantly less money."

In April 2015, all current fifth, sixth and seventh grade students were eligible to apply for lottery placement at STEAM Middle School. Students entering the STEAM campus are automatically admitted until they complete the eighth grade.

(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)