Science Placement Criteria

MVMMS follows a spiraled curriculum aligned with the 2016 MA STE Frameworks focused on the Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Technology, and Engineering.

All middle school students will follow the same pathway:

  • Science 6 - Science 7 - Science 8

All students entering Melrose High School will enroll in Biology, with 3 options based on performance criteria:

  • College Prep Biology
  • Honors Biology
  • AP Biology 9

The MHS Science Department utilized the following criteria for the 2017-2018 academic year:

  • For Honors Biology, 3 out of 4 must be met:
    • Average grade ≥ 90 % for trimesters 1 & 2
    • Average grade ≥ 90 % for trimester exams 1 & 2
    • Average grade ≥ 80% or higher for Open Response Benchmark Assessments
    • Teacher recommendation

Criteria for Advanced Placement (AP) Biology (must meet all of the following):

  • Met all Honors criteria
  • Exceed Honors Open Response Criteria (Average grade ≥ 90% or higher for Open Response Benchmark Assessments)
  • A qualifying score on similar assessment of MCAS Biology
  • A score of 4 or greater on grade 7 ELA PARCC

Once students complete Biology, there are pathways for students to move into either Environmental Science or Chemistry. Courses such as Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, Bioethical Issues, Astronomy, and Marine Science are also available, with many at the CP or H level. Finally, MHS offers several AP Science courses, including:

AP Biology

AP Environmental Science

AP Chemistry

AP Physics 1

AP Physics C

Please click here to redirect to the high school's program of studies, which lists specific placement criteria for each science course.

Currently, the department is weighing options for placement for the 2018-2019 academic year. As we wait for the state to release competency determination with regards to the 2016 MA STE Biology frameworks, we will explore student performance at the middle school level and adjust criteria as necessary. Students and families are encouraged to share ideas or concerns with the Department Director as this process unfolds.