For middle school students in Indian Prairie School District 204, the 2026-27 school year will offer more opportunities for STEM exploration through various electives. A new course called “Flight and Space” will expose students to aerospace engineering and problem-solving. Additionally, “Design and Discovery” will be offered as an exploratory course focused on innovation, project-based learning and creative problem-solving.
The district is also making big changes to the middle school social studies curriculum which will go into effect next school year, pending approval at the Jan. 26 board meeting. The state is mandating more U.S. history instruction in middle schools, with the goal of prepping students for high school human geography and social studies. Sixth grade students will learn about world geography and cultures; seventh grade students will focus on early U.S. history and civics; and eighth graders will cover later U.S. history.
Financial literacy, which is currently taught in seventh grade, will move to the eighth grade social studies curriculum. Students will receive financial literacy instruction closer to high school, when topics like budgeting and money management are more relevant.
Elementary students will also get additional exposure to STEM subjects through new robotics clubs at select schools. These schools include May Watts, Brooks, Steck, Graham and Patterson.
Mental health support for students
In middle schools throughout the district, especially at Fisher, behavioral issues are increasingly handled through problem-solving and relationship-building rather than automatic punishments — and families are included in the process.
Schools are aiming to have fewer disciplinary removals, and to center conversations around repairing harm, teaching conflict resolution and holding students accountable rather than punishing them. Staff are trained to lead these restorative conversations, and parents are included through “Parent University” sessions.
To further support mental well-being among students, staff and families, Indian Prairie is hosting a Mental Health Symposium on March 7 at Metea Valley High School. The event is free and open to students, parents and community members.
At the symposium, there will be separate breakout sessions for middle school and high school students, sessions for adults, a community resource fair and a book fair. All attendees can expect free lunch and free child care for kids ages 3-10. Registration opens next week for this full-day event, so interested parents and students should watch for registration information from the district.
Other district updates
- At Metea Valley High School, the current principal is leaving in July. The district is beginning the interview process now. The school year will finish under current leadership, but families may hear more about the new principal later this spring.
- Check out the district calendar for upcoming breaks and important dates.
