Dallas ISD and UT Southwestern partner to open a new kind of school
BY THE HUB
Science starts here for the next generation of students entering a PK-8 biomedical school in the heart of Dallas’ medical district. Dallas ISD and the UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) together will launch a new transformation school slated to open its doors next fall.
The Medical District PK-8 Biomedical School will start by serving scholars in prekindergarten through first grade, expanding one grade level each year up to eighth grade.
The curriculum will immerse students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by introducing real-world experiences in biomedical science. These daily explorations, centered on a STEM-based curriculum, will also provide firsthand exposure and direct access to innovative field trip opportunities.
The unique partnership is one of the first in the nation to focus on biomedical science for elementary students at a medical institution.
“This school model is another game-changer for students as the district joins hands with an incredible partner to reimagine learning,” said Michael Hinojosa, superintendent of Dallas ISD. “It also highlights how science continues to evolve in a unique, relatable, and innovative way with students as young as three years old. This partnership will help connect students with cutting-edge resources that develop them into the next generation of scientists and medical professionals.”
The Medical District PK-8 Biomedical School will have no academic requirements or attendance boundaries. Enrollment offers are generated at random, through a lottery system, based on the number of seats available in each grade coupled with the student’s priority group.
“This exciting endeavor underscores what it takes to build and inspire the next generation of physicians and scientists – instilling a love for science in children at an early age,” said W. P. Andrew Lee, M.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Dean, UT Southwestern Medical School. “Our hope is that the added hands-on experiences and education they will gain during their years at the Medical District PK-8 Biomedical School will be the beginning of a lifelong connection to math, science, and discovery.
Fifty percent of the seats are reserved for economically disadvantaged students and 50 percent are offered to non-economically disadvantaged students.
The school will be located on the UTSW campus at 6516 Forest Park Road. Families may apply during the application period from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, 2022.
