DPS Science Placement Process

The goal of the placement process is to match students to the course in which they will experience appropriate degrees of challenge  When students are appropriately placed, they are guided to reach beyond their current ability levels and attain higher levels of both science skill and content proficiency. This document is designed to promote an understanding of the decision-making process and sequence involved in placing students in the correct course.

Placement at Darien High School From Middlesex Middle School*

Student’s transitioning from Middlesex Middle School to Darien High School start 9th grade with two possible options; Biology Honors (400) or Biology 300.  

In order to be initially eligible for Biology Honors (400) a student must meet at least two out of the following three criteria:

8th Grade DRP: Score of 82 or better

8th Grade Science criteria: Average combined 1st and 2nd quarter grade of A (92.5) in 8th Grade Science

8th Grade Math criteria options:

Average combined 1st and 2nd quarter grade of C+ (76.5) or better in Geometry 8

Average combined 1st and 2nd quarter grade of B (82.5) or better in Accelerated Algebra 8

Average combined 1st and 2nd quarter grade of B+ (86.5) or better in  Algebra 8

Average combined 1st and 2nd quarter grade of A (92.5) or better in Pre-Algebra 8

Final placement decisions will be made at the end of the school year when grades are complete.  Final eligibility will be based on Math and Science grades (same grade criteria as above) for the full 8th grade  year as well as the DRP score.  Any changes in initial eligibility will be communicated to families immediately following the end of the school year.

*It is important to note that students not recommended for Biology Honors (400) in 9th grade will have many opportunities for advanced work (both Honors and AP)  in science classes in the future. Future consideration for advanced classes are earned primarily through student achievement and teacher recommendations as well as other measures of readiness and growth.

Placement at Darien High School

The goal of the Darien High School Science Department is to appropriately challenge every student without having the student overwhelmed and where the student can be successful given their current skill level.  With that in mind, we have found several attributes, skills and habits of mind to be the basis for success at the accelerated level of an Honors and/or Advanced Placement course.  One of the most significant being a student’s demonstrated success in a high school level science class.  For this reason, many of our upper level science classes beyond 9th grade have content prerequisites.  In addition, some of our honors level classes may also have mathematics course prerequisites as well.   Course descriptions and course prerequisites can be found in the Darien High School Course Catalog

In addition to the course prerequisites, a student, at any year in high school, needs the following to be successful in an accelerated course.  That student must have a well-developed, organized approach to the work, demonstrated ability to  work independently and efficiently, and an intrinsic curiosity and motivation.  Not every student has these attributes as they begin their journey through DHS, which is why we make informed and data driven recommendations each year.