How is STELLA SCHOLA different from other schools?

Students at Stella Schola are with the same teacher for 5 periods (out of 6), thus a strong sense of ‘team’ is developed, giving each student strong teacher and peer support.

The Stella Schola curriculum is comprehensive and flows over a three year period. Subjects are integrated into historical themes so that students can see how the concepts they are studying relate to each other. Classic literature is presented, discussed, and analyzed. Writing assignments are given often, and homework to support learning is consistent. hands on projects, field trips and fine arts (music, dance) are incorporated. Instruction is geared to challenge students to achieve at their highest potential, and teachers make themselves accessible to assist students in achieving their goals by encouraging students to make appointments for assistance after school.         

How are students accepted?

There is an admission process which runs on the district time line.  The Stella Schola Parent Night for parents considering Stella Schola for their children in January.  Applications will be made available at this time.  The application will include a parent , a teacher, and a student component.  Applications will be accepted from January through February.  Please send applications to Stella Schola, 13505 NE 75th Street, Redmond, WA  98052, attention Brigitte Tennis.

A  lottery will be held in February at the district office to determine entrance, with notifications sent out via U.S. mail.  Only completed applications will be in the lottery.  Accepted applicants must respond in writing by deadline.  Families on multiple waiting lists must choose one school only. A waiting list of applicants will be maintained through the summer and into early fall. Read more on the Admissions page.

How will teachers assess student progress?

Students are assessed in a variety of ways.  Some of those include: teacher observation, peer evaluation, group evaluation, essay testing, paper/pencil testing, project based analysis, and self analysis. Students  also participate in the standardized testing (MSP) just like any other student in the district (although standardized test results are not used in the student evaluations).  Grades can be accessed by parents and students via Webgrader on the computer (password protected) at any time of the day. 

How much homework should I expect for my child?

About an average of 10 minutes per grade level is the “rule of thumb”… one hour a night for sixth graders, about 70-80 minutes for seventh graders, and about 80–90 minutes for eighth graders.  

What does “comprehensive” curriculum mean?

Comprehensive curriculum means that areas of study are challenging and in depth.  Students will be taught and guided to read, write, analyze, calculate, and evaluate at a high level in each area of study.  

What about math?

Math is integrated where possible.  However, some math concepts simply need to be taught/learned, so one period a day is specifically devoted to mathematics.  Student classes follow the district adopted Connected Mathematics 2 curriculum and are supplemented at each grade level with problem solving exercises, general concept practice, and content instruction.  Stella Schola students will be prepared for placement in Geometry I in the 9th grade.  

How will my child get credit for classes when they are all integrated?

Although the subjects are taught in an integrated fashion, teachers keep grades and records separately in each subject area.  Stella  Schola issues a report card on a semester basis, and a report card at the quarter mark supported with a 30 minute face-to face academic conference with parents & and their child.  

Is it true that seventh and eighth graders will study in-depth Latin?

Yes, seventh graders receive instruction in a first year Latin class which greatly increases their English vocabulary (60% of the English language can be traced directly to Latin root words).  Eighth graders take Latin II which further challenges them to speak, think, read, and write in Latin using proper classical pronunciation and grammar. Latin is also a good base for learning other foreign languages. 

Is there a band option?

Yes, seventh and eighth grade students may opt to take one period of band in lieu of Physical Education. In addition, fine arts (including music appreciation) is integrated into the core subjects.  Sixth graders may participate in the elementary band option twice a week with their peer group (other sixth graders in the feeder pattern).  This is an additional opportunity which is offered during the first 30 minutes of class (participating students take responsibility for subject matter missed while at elementary band).  Elementary band sign ups occur through Stella Schola in the fall.

Students are encouraged to take private lessons or participate in other forms of chamber music to round out their musical knowledge. Some students take after school band/orchestra at ICS for credit as well (see course descriptions).

What about field trips?

Each grade level incorporates relevant field experiences for that age level and curriculum.   Field trip costs are separate expenses and fees are requested shortly before each trip. 

Dance Parties

What about dances?

Stella Schola has three scheduled dance parties for students per year (September, January, June).  These events are open to Stella Schola sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students (details publicized in flyers given to Stella students). 
Dance Parties are supervised by the teachers and parents.  Students are encouraged to dance with everyone, ensuring that everyone feels included.  The DJ is carefully selected by the Head Mistress.  Music requests are screened to reflect a wholesome atmosphere while still reflecting the popular music of the teens of today.  Line and group dances are taught as well. 

General

Will my sixth grader be safe on a junior high campus?

Yes.  Stella Schola sixth graders generally do not mix with the regular junior high population during the school day (w/ the exception of the Physical Education).  Lunch is taken in the cafeteria exclusively with other Stella Schola Middle School students, where a wide range of food is offered.  Lunch games are also available for student check out to encourage cross-grade level friendships. Although school start and end times are the same (except for early release on Wednesdays), small breaks are separate. 

What will happen after 8th grade?

Students easily transition into any high school as ninth graders, although if not in their local area, students need to fill out a variance form which is available at any school. The ninth grade student generally adapts quite easily to the five/six period day. Most of our students qualify for honors or AP classes at the high school level.

Does the school district provide transportation to Stella Schola?

Yes, if student lives within the Rose Hill Junior High attendance area (except on early release Wednesdays).  If a student lives outside the RHJH feeder pattern, parents can sign up for the Stella Shuttle (additonal cost) from the eastern portion of the disctict. In general, the parent provides transportation to and from school, but families may choose to carpool with other Stella Schola students, or the family may apply for a Metro bus pass.  All parents must provide their own transportation home from school on Wednesdays (11:40), unless the family has paid for the Stella Shuttle. 

Sports

What about sports?

Sixth and seventh graders have one period of Physical Education per day.  Seventh and eighth graders may participate in all afternoon sports offerings at either their local junior high or at Rose Hill Junior High,  provided they purchase an ASB sticker for their Stella Schola ID card.  Sixth graders may not participate in after school (school sponsored) sports.

Volunteering

You have stated that parents will be asked to perform 20 hours of volunteer service for Stella Schola.  Do you have any idea what kinds of opportunities there will be?

The 20 hour commitment is per family and  benefits students of Stella Schola by providing  support to the school.  There are opportunities in many areas.  Individual teachers may need classroom assistance in the area of photocopying, light correcting, or material preparation.  Field trip chaperones/drivers are needed at each grade level and those hours can be counted.  Parents can also help in providing non-school activities on Wednesday afternoons (skiing, swimming, Science Center, homework club, Chess Club).  Parents may wish to serve on the PTO Advisory Committee, the Grant Procurement Committee or be part of the Stella Schola Parent Association.  Parents may also assist by chaperoning at the Stella Schola Student Dance Parties

The number of family service hours has been reduced from 25 per family to 20 hours per family on a trial basis.  If more assistance is needed, the amount of time required from each family shall be increased again.