October 2002

Frequently Asked Questions

How many small schools are there?
There are five small schools. All five schools offer a rigorous academic program. Each school's curriculum will have the same core graduation requirements and will prepare its students to meet four year college/university requirements. Because each school has a different approach, the curriculum that addresses these requirements will vary from school to school, but all will meet District and State requirements. In spring of 2002, members of our staff chose to be part of one of the five schools based on their teaching preparation and their preference. During 2002-2003, all staff members worked with the other members of their team on every aspect of their school's design.

How did students choose a school?
In the spring of 2003, eighth grade students, and our current ninth and tenth grade students, were given information about all five schools as we prepared for our first year of implementation.. As with our staff, students used the information to choose a school that matched their interests. They made two first preferences and selected an alternate. Every effort was made to place students in one of their first preference schools. All schools reflect the diversity that is …Terrace.

Are the five schools career academies or vocational schools?
No, none of the schools are career academies or vocational schools. Since each school must ensure that students meet both graduation and college/university entrance requirements, the primary emphasis in all schools is on a rigorous academic program. Because each school has a different approach, students chose a school based on their interests. The interests of students play an important role in providing motivation for their studies and giving meaning to them. Because of the personalization and the broad liberal arts curriculum in each school, a change in a student's interests will be able to be accommodated within a small school.

How are our Seniors affected by this change?
-Senior activities including senior prom, senior breakfast, and senior party will be offered for seniors from all small schools
-Graduation will be held for the whole class just as it has been in the past

What will happen for this year's  9th graders?
-Every incoming 9th grader will make a choice to be part of one of the five small schools at Terrace.
-Each spring, the eighth grade students are given information about all five schools.
-Based on the information that is provided in brochures, information sessions, and our web page, students choose a school that matches their interests.
-Students indicate their top 3 preferences of small schools.
-Every effort is made to place students in one of their top two preference schools

What will happen for 10th and 11th graders?
-Every 10th and 11th grader made a choice to be part of one of MTHS' five small schools following the same process as our ninth graders.
-Their core graduation requirements will remain the same.
-They can continue working to fulfill their four year college/university requirements in each small school.
-10th graders will take all of their classes in their small school; 11th graders will take the majority of their classes in their small school and may have access to some classes in other small schools as well. 11th graders will still have access to Running Start as well as inter and intra district programs.

What Will Happen for Learning Support Students?
-Learning support students will be an important part of each of the five small schools. As with our other students, they had the opportunity to choose one of our five small schools.
-Parents and learning support staff were asked to provide guidance to students as they made their choices.
- Support will be provided in all small schools to help ensure the academic success of each learning support student.

If I don't like the school that I chose the first year, can I change schools?
Click here to view our Small Schools Transfer Policy.

The Small School that I am in doesn't offer AP English. Can I still take that class?
Click here to view our Cross Registration policy.

I am already taking first year Spanish but the Small School that I want to attend offers ASL. Do I have to change to a different World Language?
If you are already taking first year Spanish, you should preference a small school that offers Spanish.

I want to play football. Which Small School will let me out of class in time for practice?
All students will have the opportunity to access after school athletics. Small schools will end their school day to allow students to choose any small school and still participate.

Will we still have sports assemblies together?
Yes.

Will we have 5 different proms and graduations?
Prom and homecoming will still continue as they currently have at MTHS.

What is with all of this talk about personalization? I mean, why would I want to let a teacher get to know me better?
For the answer to this question, click here.

I have 2 children that attend MTHS and are in different Small Schools. Will they be on the same schedule?
Perhaps. For next year, the small schools will end their school day at the same time. During the day, each small school may make slightly different use of their time. For more information, see the information about the school schedules.