To provide equitable access to advanced courses, each spring, SCUSD universally screens 6th grade students for advanced course placement in middle school. Advanced courses are available in math, science, language arts and history/social studies starting in 7th grade. All students have the opportunity to qualify for any or all advanced courses, through district-wide placement criteria.

To recommend a rising 7th grade student for any of the advanced middle school courses, please submit the Online Recommendation Form.

TO newly recommend a rising 8th grader for advanced middle school courses, please submit the Online Recommendation Form for Rising 8th graders. 

The Recommendation Form may be submitted by a parent/guardian, teacher, or administrator — Forms will close on May 30, 2025

Timeline for Recommendation Process

• Early April – Parent Letters available
• April – Testing Window for Math Placement Test (6th grade only)
• Until May 30, 2025 – Recommendation Forms Available
• Mid-June — Placement Recommendation Data available to middle schools

Data Used for Placement Considerations

The following may be used as a part of the recommendation process:

• 5th grade CAST Score
• 6th or 7th grade SBAC Scores for ELA & Math
• 2nd Trimester Grades
• iReady Scores for Math
• GATE Status
• Recommendation Form