Desert Canyon
Middle School
Academics
Desert Canyon Middle School: Empowering Minds, Embracing Diversity
At Desert Canyon Middle School, we celebrate the richness of diversity and empower young minds through a comprehensive educational experience. Our commitment to rigorous academics, inclusive campus culture, and collaborative partnerships with parents sets the stage for a transformative learning journey. Here's what makes Desert Canyon Middle School stand out:
Dual Language Immersion
Desert Canyon Middle School is proud to offer a Dual Language Immersion program in Mandarin. This unique opportunity equips students with linguistic proficiency and a deep understanding of Chinese culture, fostering global perspectives and preparing them for an interconnected world.
40% of the academic school day will be conducted in Mandarin. The two courses are:
6th Grade: Science and Mandarin 1A
7th Grade: Science and Mandarin 1B
8th Grade: Science and Mandarin IIBy the end of 8th grade, Mandarin Immersion students will have completed high school Mandarin levels I & II.
Dual Language Immersion students are eligible for the Middle School Pathway to Biliteracy Award
Gifted Learning Program
SUSD Gifted Programs provide challenging curriculum to gifted students through the use of differentiated instruction designed to best meet the academic and effective needs of the students. The gifted program is designed to teach students with meaningful learning experiences that foster an enriched and in-depth understanding of the core curriculum. These best practices for gifted education guide and shape our gifted programs throughout the district.
PBIS
PBIS is a team based, systematic approach in teaching behavioral expectations throughout the school. It is based on a proactive model which teaches the behaviors, reinforces and recognizes students who are able to model these behaviors and has systems in place to support students who have a difficult time or may present with more challenging behaviors. The team approach is what truly makes this system work. We really need every family’s support to help our school community be successful.
World Language Offerings
- French
- Mandarin
- Spanish