- What is the Discovery Project?
Discovery Project is a grant funded program designed for Archdiocesan students in grades 7 and 8 who are academically gifted. This program offers challenging and creative courses that combine online daily instruction and face-to-face workshops. Discovery Project courses are taught by Catholic high school teachers through partnering institutions.
- When are courses offered?
Courses run for nine weeks during the second and third quarters of the school year.
- How do the courses work?
The Discovery Project offers courses that replace or enrich the student’s current academic course. Coursework is assigned on a daily and weekly basis, offering students the opportunity to complete readings, assignments, discussions and projects within the online classroom at their own pace. Online instructors provide regular feedback and meet directly with students for three face-to-face workshops during the nine week course.
- What are face-to-face workshops?
High school instructors conduct three half-day workshops from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the host location. Parents must provide transportation for their child to attend these hands-on group activities.
- What courses are offered?
Language Arts courses that are offered include American Voices, American Dreams, The Hero's Journey, and Evaluating Innovation. Enrichment courses offered include Landmark Moments in United States History and STEM. Course descriptions, dates, and locations are listed on the webpage.
- How do students qualify?
Students must be recommended by a current middle school teacher and endorsed by the school principal. Students must be at or above the 95% in the related subject matters on a standardized test (i.e., Iowa Assessment, WI Forward Exam) and a consistent score of 3 or 4 in core academic areas in subject matters on prior year report card (Reading, Writing, Language and/or Math).
- How do students register to participate?
Registration is available online for all participating Catholic elementary schools. Schools must submit registration materials for eligible students. Parents may obtain registration information through the elementary school principal.
- How are courses filled?
Courses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified candidates upon receipt of a complete application received prior to the registration deadline. Early applications are encouraged. All applicants will receive written notification of acceptance status. Every effort will be made to match students with their first choice course.
- How do students receive grades?
Discovery Project teachers will provide an assessment of the student’s work upon course completion. A grade report and comments will be sent to the elementary school. The final grade for a replacement course will be assigned by the grade school teacher.
- How much time is involved?
Student will spend between 5 – 10 hours per week completing required course activities.
- What does it cost?
Courses are offered free to eligible students at participating Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Parents must provide transportation to the face-to-face workshops and cover the cost of course materials.