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Curriculum

The HSA Des Moines educational program model brings together best-practices in math and science education, helping us to achieve our goal of empowering students with high intellectual standards as they prepare for college, careers and citizenship in the global economy. At Concept, we believe an education rooted in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) best prepares students to be successful in college and careers beyond high school.

The HSA Des Moines curriculum is aligned with all Iowa learning standards and meets all state expectations. HSA Des Moines will utilize the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress to guide curriculum revisions as needed on a year-to-year basis. All students will receive instruction in all core content areas (English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies). Our school employs a set of standards-aligned curricular materials to support high-quality instruction.  HMH Into Reading guides English Language Arts, Go Math supports Mathematics, Studies Weekly provides our Social Studies curriculum, and Mystery Science enhances Science instruction. At the middle school level, CommonLit will be used for ELA; Reveal Math is the Math curriculum; Amplify Science is the core of our Science curriculum; and TCI informs our Social Studies classes. These programs ensure a consistent and rigorous learning experience for all students. Students will also participate in a rotation of special classes like Physical Education, Art, Music, and STEM.

HSA Des Moines will also administer FastBridge Assessments to set and monitor individual academic growth goals in reading and math.

Concept Schools Curriculum Directors are instrumental in this process. They create the scope and sequence, guide teachers with the pacing, and select and review the resources. Teachers are responsible for collaborating and creating their lesson plans and assessments according to the curriculum provided. Concept Schools Curriculum Directors update and revise the curriculum according to new data, programs, needs, and resources every year. Teachers provide feedback about their experiences with each unit in the curriculum.

Concept network schools take a whole-child approach to learning where all students deserve to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. HSA Des Moines offers parents/guardians and families various opportunities that many students may not have otherwise in traditional public schools. These include a program of learning opportunities to keep our students involved that extend beyond the school day and include, but are not limited to: clubs, special interest groups, competition teams, trips, cultural events, and mentorships.

Key elements of the K-12 Concept educational program include:

  • STEM-focused education
  • College & Career Readiness Programs
  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Support
  • Free tutoring, clubs, and sports
  • Concept Young Scholars Program (CYSP)
  • Concept network-wide programs and events
  • Cultural and educational trips

HSA Des Moines envisions a more productive and peaceful society by setting high standards for all students to unleash their potential. HSA Des Moines provides more instructional time than traditional public schools, a nurturing school culture, and positive behavioral expectations. We create a culture of learning that translates into success.

HSA Des Moines strategically builds a culture that promotes success and focuses on effort. It is a culture that revolves around relationships with students, families, and the larger community so that everyone is involved in student success.

HSA Des Moines creates a motivating school culture by promoting programs such as:

  • Data-driven, multi-tiered systems of support approach - to monitor academics, SEL, behavior data, and activities and to provide interventions and enrichments aligned to develop students' areas of growth.
  • Social-emotional learning program
  • Research-based positive behavioral intervention system
  • Culturally responsive teaching and trauma-informed practices
  • Annual staff, parent/guardian, and student surveys
  • Clubs
  • Student assemblies
  • Family/Community Events

All Concept network schools like HSA Des Moines provide student-centered learning. HSA Des Moines will feature smaller class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios compared to many other traditional district schools. Our talented and committed teaching staff provide a personalized educational experience for our students in an environment with a student-centered focus. Using a multitude of data points, the performance of each student is analyzed and effective strategies are developed to ensure learning is mastered.

HSA Des Moines offers more instructional time in math and science. Its STEM-focused culture encourages curiosity, problem-solving, forward-thinking, and robust literacy, so students can enter college and the world equipped with the 21st-century skills they will need.

Nationally recognized programs, such as Project Lead the Way, are part of the Concept model. Interactive science classes, science fairs, math competitions, and robotics and engineering programs give our students a competitive edge and help them pursue college degrees and careers in STEM fields.

Features of HSA Des Moines' STEM-Focused curriculum include:

  • Project Lead the Way program
  • Local, regional, and state-wide competitions in math, science, and technology
  • Hands-on STEM activities and demonstrations

As the number of grade levels increases and enrollment in HSA Des Moines grows, the school will emphasize college and career readiness beginning in middle school grades. Research shows that a college degree can make all the difference. HSA Des Moines will provide various resources to prepare students for ACT/SAT, college applications, scholarships, and career readiness programs.

Beginning in high school, the College/Career Readiness aspects of HSA Des Moines will include:

  • Individualized attention - School counselors provide one-on-one college and career guidance customized for the student's needs and ambitions with a variety of tools and activities
  • Concept College Readiness Program that focuses on student preparedness for college throughout high school years
  • Assistance with FAFSA and scholarship applications
  • Annual college/career fair
  • College application tracking system
  • College visits
  • Internships and apprenticeship programs

HSA Des Moines believes in an opportunity access approach to learning where each child should have access to relevant and challenging academic experiences and educational resources necessary for success across race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, religion, and students with differing abilities. The Concept Schools' model ensures all children can achieve their academic potential despite personal, social, and cultural circumstances.

HSA Des Moines supports fairness by emphasizing:

  • High standards for all students to challenge/support them
  • Progress monitoring of each student subgroups with a focus on narrowing the gaps among them
  • Differentiation according to students' levels, interests, and needs
  • Free clubs, sports, and tutoring are available to any student
  • Collecting feedback and data via student/staff/family surveys
  • Ongoing communication with feedback loops with all stakeholders