ADMISSIONS
Exclusive Electives for Junior Scholar Program Students
Students accepted into the Junior Scholar Program gain access to advanced, high school-level courses and early college preparation opportunities. These electives are designed to challenge and accelerate academic growth:
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HS Digital Information Technology – A high school-level course introducing students to the fundamentals of IT, digital tools, and coding.
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HS Spanish I & II – Earn high school credit while developing language proficiency and cultural awareness.
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Student Learning Success (SLS) – Dual Enrollment Course offered to 8th-grade Junior Scholars who are excelling academically. This course helps students prepare for college-level expectations, time management, and success strategies.
Our electives empower students to discover their talents, deepen their interests, and gain real-world skills—all while preparing for high school, college, and beyond.
Scholar Learning Style: Preparing Junior High Students for Academic Excellence
At Burns, we are implementing the Scholar Learning Style for our junior high students—a structured, academically focused approach designed to prepare them for the rigors of college and university studies. This model mirrors the expectations and environments students will encounter in higher education, giving them a head start in developing the discipline and skills needed for long-term academic success.
The Scholar style is rooted in the traditional teaching method, which prioritizes reading, writing, and visual learning. Unlike more hands-on or collaborative approaches, this method is less tactile and auditory, focusing instead on individual academic performance.
Instruction is delivered primarily through direct teaching, including lectures, research assignments, and guided discussions. This promotes critical thinking and deep subject understanding. Students are evaluated through quizzes, tests, and research papers, with the emphasis placed on individual answers and independent work—a reflection of college-level expectations.
The classroom environment under the Scholar style is intentionally formal and orderly. Students are encouraged to work independently, which results in a quiet atmosphere with minimal movement and distraction. This structure allows students to develop self-discipline, focus, and a strong academic foundation.
By engaging students in this way, we are equipping them with the tools they need not only to succeed in junior high but also to transition smoothly into high school and, eventually, higher education. The Scholar Learning Style supports the development of analytical thinking, personal accountability, and academic resilience—qualities that will benefit our students far beyond the classroom.
Junior Scholar Program: Empowering Academic Excellence
The Junior Scholar Program is designed for junior high students who exhibit a strong desire to excel academically and aspire to attend top-tier colleges and universities. This program offers a structured pathway that emphasizes rigorous coursework, independent research, and leadership development, aligning with the expectations of higher education institutions.
Program Requirements
To be considered for the Junior Scholar Program, students must:
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Apply for Admission: Submit a comprehensive application demonstrating academic achievements and commitment to scholarly pursuits.
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Enroll in Scholar English and Scholar Science: Participate in advanced courses that focus on critical analysis, research methodologies, and scientific inquiry.
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Participate in the Science Fair: Engage in a major science project utilizing the scientific method or engineering design process, culminating in a presentation at the school-wide Science Fair.
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Apply to the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS): Demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.
Program Benefits
Students accepted into the Junior Scholar Program will have access to:
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High School Electives: Opportunity to enroll in select high school-level elective courses, allowing for early exposure to advanced subjects.
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Dual Enrollment Opportunities: Eligible students may begin dual enrollment courses at the end of their 8th-grade year, earning both high school and college credits.
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Enhanced Academic Preparation: A curriculum that fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and independent research skills essential for success in higher education.
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Leadership Development: Participation in NJHS and other extracurricular activities that cultivate leadership abilities and community engagement.
Scholar Learning Style Science Fair Project: Applying the Scientific Method and Engineering Design Process
In alignment with the Scholar Learning Style's emphasis on structured, independent academic work, our junior high students will undertake a comprehensive science fair project. This project will require students to either apply the scientific method to investigate a question or utilize the engineering design process to develop a practical solution to a problem.
Scientific Method Approach
Students choosing the scientific method will:
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Ask a Question: Identify a specific, testable question based on observations or curiosities.
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Conduct Background Research: Gather information to understand the context and existing knowledge related to the question.
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Formulate a Hypothesis: Develop an educated guess predicting the outcome of the experiment.
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Design and Conduct an Experiment: Plan a controlled experiment to test the hypothesis, ensuring only one variable is changed at a time.
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Analyze Data: Collect and interpret data to determine whether it supports or refutes the hypothesis.
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Draw Conclusions: Summarize findings and reflect on the implications of the results.
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Communicate Results: Prepare a detailed report and presentation to share the research process and conclusions.
This project not only reinforces the Scholar Learning Style's focus on reading, writing, and visual learning but also cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent research skills. By engaging in this rigorous academic exercise, students will be better prepared for the demands of higher education and future scientific endeavors.
Learning Style Introduction
The Power of Learning Styles in the Classroom
Learning styles refer to the various ways individuals prefer to absorb, process, and retain information. Commonly identified styles include visual (learning through images and spatial understanding), auditory (learning through listening), reading/writing (learning through text), and kinesthetic (learning through hands-on experiences).
Understanding learning styles is important because it can help educators tailor their teaching methods to better suit individual student needs, potentially enhancing engagement and comprehension. For instance, incorporating visual aids may benefit visual learners, while discussions and lectures might be more effective for auditory learners. Recognizing these preferences allows for a more inclusive and effective educational environment.
At Burns, we are dedicated to providing educational experiences that cater to diverse learning preferences, ensuring each student can thrive. To achieve this, we've implemented two distinct learning styles: the Scholar Learning Style and the Entrepreneur Learning Style.
Scholar Learning Style
The Scholar Learning Style is designed for students who excel in structured academic settings. It emphasizes critical thinking, independent study, and a deep engagement with reading and writing. Students in this program focus on analytical tasks, research projects, and formal assessments, preparing them for the rigors of higher education and fostering a disciplined approach to learning.
Entrepreneur Learning Style
The Entrepreneur Learning Style caters to students who thrive in dynamic, hands-on environments. This approach encourages creativity, problem-solving, and experiential learning. Students engage in collaborative projects, simulations, and real-world challenges, developing skills such as innovation, adaptability, and leadership—qualities essential for success in entrepreneurial endeavors.