Harmony Science Academy-Houston Tuition-free Exemplary College Preparatory School Excellence & Equity in Science & Education

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1 Harmony Science Academy-Houston Tuition-free Exemplary College Preparatory School Excellence & Equity in Science & Education 6 through S. Braeswood Blvd. Houston, TX Phone: (713) Fax: (713) TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY

2 Exemplary Education Harmony Wins National Recognition HSA-Houston is one of two Texas schools and one of fifty-two U.S. schools to receive a National Distinguished School Recognition Program Award in HSA is listed in the 2007 Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) Honor Roll Schools List. HSA made the U.S. News Top High Schools List in 2007 & High Academic Standards Since the establishment of Harmony, we have continually striven toward maintaining the high academic standards that will be the cornerstones for our students well into their professional and personal lives. With the assistance of our supportive parents, the faculty and staff have guided our students beyond all community and state mandated expectations. The faculty, staff, and administrators at Harmony are caring, competent, and dedicated professionals who are willing and capable of assisting you. We are doing our utmost to provide the best possible learning climate for our students. S. Tarim, Ph. D. Superintendent 2

3 Standards-Based Curriculum The Harmony School System provides a core curriculum (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill (TEKS) curriculum) which is enriched, extended, or differentiated to meet the individual learning needs of students. Education in the fine and practical arts, physical education, and language study are valued as integral parts of the instructional program. The curriculum is designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity and develop the critical thinking skills necessary for students to enjoy a full, productive, and satisfying life. Harmony s standards-based learning environment identifies what students will know and be able to do as a result of completing the instructional program and clearly establishes the criterion for subject mastery. The scope and sequence of the curriculum reflects a continuum of offerings that challenge all students. Triad of academically-minded STUDENTS, highly qualified and dedicated TEACHERS, and engaged and supportive PARENTS Rigor: All students have the chance to succeed in challenging classes Relevance: Courses/projects spark student interest and relate to today s rapidly changing world Relationships: All students have adult mentors who know them and push them to achieve All Harmony students will graduate high school ready for college and will enroll in four year colleges with the necessary skills to succeed 3

4 TAKS 2007 Harmony Schools Earn Top Academic Ratings TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY EXEMPLARY Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced on August 1 st, 2008 that all Harmony Schools earned the highest academic ratings under the state s accountability system; seven out of fourteen schools were rated as exemplary, which is the top category, and the other seven were rated as recognized. HSA-Fort Worth EXEMPLARY Reading/ELA 98 Writing 100 Soc. Std. 97 Math 95 Science 96 Reading/ELA 98 Writing 100 Soc. Std. 100 Math 98 Science 97 Reading/ELA 97 Writing 98 Soc. Std. HSI-Houston EXEMPLARY NA Math 97 Science 98 HSE-Houston EXEMPLARY HSA-Austin EXEMPLARY Reading/ELA 98 Writing 95 Soc. Std. 100 Math 97 Science 93 Reading/ELA 99 Writing 96 Soc. Std. 100 Math 94 Science 93 Reading/ELA 93 Writing 100 Soc. Std. HSA-San Antonio EXEMPLARY HSS-Austin EXEMPLARY NA Math 93 Science 87 Reading/ELA 96 Writing 93 Soc. Std. 100 Math 93 Science 97 HSA-El Paso EXEMPLARY 4

5 Reading/ELA 91 Writing 93 Soc. Std. 91 Math 80 Science 74 TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY TEXAS/All Students ACA. Acceptable HSA-Dallas Reading/ELA 94 Writing 98 Soc. Std. 99 Math 93 Science 86 Reading/ELA 96 Writing 91 Soc. Std. 99 Math 95 Science 84 HSA-Bryan/College Station HSA-Houston Reading/ELA 93 Writing 85 Soc. Std. 100 Math 92 Science 90 HSA-Lubbock Reading/ELA 92 Writing 85 Soc. Std. 100 Math 89 Science 83 Reading/ELA 98 Writing 91 Soc. Std. 100 Math 87 Science 88 HSA-Houston NW HSA-Waco Reading/ELA 91 Writing 88 Soc. Std. 100 Math 92 Science 89 Reading/ELA 96 Writing 92 Soc. Std. 95 Math 89 Science 89 HSA-Beaumont 5

6 What Makes Harmony Special Safe, Small, and Friendly School Environment Nurturing School Atmosphere enthusiasm of unquenchable desire to learn and The emphasis of the entire instructional program become the best they can be. Harmony creates an inviting, safe, and is aimed at meeting the individual needs of each Beth Irwin, Harmony Parent purposeful environment in which students student in order to allow children to develop to learn, and maintains a friendly and wholesome their fullest potential. The school establishes atmosphere that encourages creative a n a t m o s p h e re i n w h i ch s tu d e nt s d e ve l o p expression and a desire for knowledge. abilities to generate new thought s, to think There is a small school atmosphere. The analytically, to draw logical conclusions, and involvement and participation of parents with to express thoughts in written and spoken form. students, teachers, and administrators make Our children are thriving at Harmony Science Academy Harmony feel like one big family. because they are treated as individuals with their own thoughts, personalities, and learning styles. For the first time in their lives, our children actually look forward to going to school each morning. teacher connection which serves as a bridge Leonard and Angie Morehead, Harmony Parents between the school and home. Finally, Best Place to Learn The students of Harmony succeed due to the devotion 6 Home Visits Faculty home visits establish a family, student, the students, faculty and parents show a dedication to high levels of academic success of the teachers and staff. Every instructor makes a per- and achievement. sonal investment in each child, resulting in the student s Gurol Duman, Principal, HSI

7 What Harmony Offers Student Centered Teaching base is a huge help to the teachers and parents. The First Lego League Robotics Tournament Individual attention Courtney Kaler 3rd Grade teacher) and the Science Fair. Being a part of these Diagnostic tests G/T Program exciting events challenges and inspires Progress monitored over time Harmony s Gifted and Talented encourages G/T our students to increase their overall math, Required research projects and incentive students to be a part of one of the academic teams. science, and teamwork skills. Enriched Academic Environment Harmony s Math, Science, and Robotics Teams ( 4th Harmony Science Academy has given my chil- and 5th Graders) meet at least once a week. Students dren an enriched academic environment and have participated in MATHCOUNTS, Math Olympiad, structure that has encour- Research Experience Alice transferred from a public middle school (gifted program) to Harmony Science Academy and has not once regretted it. She found aged their growth and the school to be intellectually challenging. maturity. Alice is exceptionally happy with the prep Tim & Kathy Donahue, for competitions the school offers. She is Harmony Parents earnestly involved in Science Olympiads, Technology Math Olympiads, Math Counts, and UIL. For The students enthusiasm these competitions, the teachers offer endless is great. It helps to have chances and time to study and gain any so much technology in the needed help. classroom. Having a data- Jacek Turski, Ph. D. Professor, Harmony Parent 7

8 Science Fair & Olympiads I-SWEEEP, the International Sustainable do. The school has been a great experience for him and World (Energy, Engineering, and Environment) is truly a great place for kids to learn Project Olympiad, is a groundbreaking science Brian and Angela Miller, Harmony Parents fair open to middle and high school students. National and International Awards It is the largest science fair event of its kind Harmony students won over st, 2nd, and 3rd world-wide. place awards in city and statewide science fair com- mental Project Olympiad Turkey 2002 Honorable Mention in The International Computer Project Competition Poland 2005 Bronze Medal in The International Math Project Competition Kazakhstan 2006 petitions, and science and math olympiads including: Science for All The most successful secondary school award; Harmony Science Fairs are huge and more The Teacher of the Year award; and competitive than regional science fairs. Stu- Many semifinalists projects placed among the Best dents work on a project of their interest in 400 projects in US in the Discovery Channel Young math, science, computer or engineering categories. A Science Fair project is a valuable means of applying the concept of the scientific method as well as a fun learning experience. Our son has been working on his project for weeks. It is truly amazing to see what these 8 kids can come up with and experiments they Scientist Challenge. Bronze Medal in The International Math Project Competition Kazakhstan 2001 Two Honorable Mentions in The International Phys ics Project Competition Poland Special Award in Computer in The International Conference of Young Scientists 2001 Honorable Mention in The International Environ President Bush welcomes the 2008 MATHCOUNTS national winners that include Ding Zhou of Harmony School of Excellence to the Oval Office at the White House.

9 Extracurricular Activities Clubs* Community Service cities in US. We enjoyed a combination of obser- Animation Math League Community service is encouraged among the students. vation, exploration, and exposure to natural won- Aquatic Science Movies Activities such as food and toy drives and making cards ders and cultures. These are once-in-a-lifetime Arts and Crafts Multiculturalism for nursing home residents are encouraged at Harmo- opportunities that come only at Harmony. Baseball Psychology ny. As part of character development, giving back to Harmony Students Basketball Reading the community and to those who are less fortunate is Board Games Sculpture taught, modelled, and supported. Mr. Gandymov, Math Cheerleading Soccer Teacher Netherlands, and Turkey. A rewarding once in- Digital Graphics Sociology Field Trips a-lifetime experience. Different cultures, natural Drama Student Council Drawing Theater & Performing Folk Dance Arts Football Video Production French Volleyball Home Arts Web Mastering Journalism Wrestling Math Counts Yearbook *Сlub offerings may vary from campus to campus We visited Dallas, New Orleans, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, and many other beautiful Europe Trips Fifteen days in Europe: Germany, France, Belgium, beauties, and historical places promote learning and provide serious fun. Harmony Students 9

10 Harmony School system High School Program Best High School Harmony Science Academy was listed as one of the best high schools by U.S. News and World Report in 2007 and 2008 among 21,000 public high schools across the country. The article recognized specific schools based on factors such as: 1) standardized test scores, 2) performance of disadvantaged students, and 3) number of seniors taking and passing college level Advanced Placement Exams. 13 Harmony campuses are awarded to be T-STEM Academies 10 To ensure that Texas will continue to grow its economy, land more job expansions than any other state, and remain at the forefront in the battle for 21 st century jobs, Texas launched a bold and forwardthinking education program the Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Initiative (T-STEM). This initiative is a new central component of the Texas High School Project (THSP), a $180 million public-private initiative committed to increasing graduation rates and college enrollment rates in every Texas community. The THSP s partners include the Texas Education Agency, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Communities Foundation of Texas, educators, and others. The goal of T-STEM Academies is to develop the nation s leading innovation economy workforce by aligning high school, postsecondary education, and economic development activities. A total of thirteen Harmony Schools, throughout the state, were selected to be part of this T-STEM initiative.

11 Strong Math, Science, and Engineering focus The educators and leaders behind the Harmony Schools are passionate about transforming how students engage in math, science, engineering, and computer science. Harmony School administrators fundamentally believe that excelling in math and science prepares youth to succeed in college, the workplace, and the 21 st century. Harmony s vision is to enable students to succeed in school and have the option of pursuing math, science, and engineering careers. This will lead to students becoming productive and responsible citizens. Harmony students engage in the application of knowledge of scientists, mathematicians, engineers on site or at research institutions. They are our focus and success is an expectation for all. Harmony provides teachers and students with the latest technology available to support their learning. Harmony s community centered rigorous learning environment is a replicable model. In addition to innovative mathematics and science instruction, the curriculum immerses students in hands-on, problem and project-based learning. While they will create, invent, and solve challenging real-world problems in science and math, at the same time, they will be learning about engineering and powerful technological tools in the process in this environment. Facts about Math and Science Education Students who take rigorous math and science courses are more likely to go to college People with strong math and science backgrounds are more likely to be employed Shortages in workers skilled in math/science affect U.S. performance in global markets Source: Math Equals Opp; NELS data 11

12 A unique and replicable school model The school model is rigorous (prepares students for college), relevant (reinforces math and science skills) and underpinned by a tight web of relationships (a strong culture reinforced by teachers and parents). Harmony attributes its strong outcomes to three core principles within the school model: a challenging math and science curriculum supported by theory; a focus on assessment; and a culture of constructive competition, discipline, and parental engagement. Harmony utilizes technology across all of these dimensions to reinforce its school model and curriculum. CHALLENGING & DYNAMIC CURRICULUM Harmony s core curriculum meets the Texas Distinguished Achievement program and offers honors and AP coursework The Piaget, Vygotsky, and Gardner-influenced curriculum challenges students just above their current level with scaffolding Students are grouped by their skills to maximize educational outcomes CULTURE OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS Focus on constructive competition enables academic achievement to be the primary student focus Beginning in 7th grade, counselling helps students make wise early decisions about their graduation from high school with the distinguished graduation plan Through yearly research papers, students acquire the skills that they need in college Character education cultivates a community of respect ONGOING ASSESSMENT Continuous assessment and prep exams promote high passing rates Harmony teachers are given flexibility in teaching and are not constrained by the testing focus The mandatory use of the technology-enabled student database by teachers allows for information to be consistently updated 12 Highly Qualified and Dedicated Community of Teachers Harmony teachers hold higher education degrees in their disciplines; these teachers are recruited from around the world. Harmony s model encourages teachers to engage in home visits with student families to build on the parent-student-teacher triad.

13 Academic Offerings Harmony Schools provides a rigorous academic program with intensive support that permits students to reach their potential, whether that be a college prep, honors or AP level. In addition, students are required to take part in research projects and are encouraged to participate in academic competitions. AP Courses, Electives, and Clubs Offered at Harmony Schools* AP English AP European History AP Calculus AP Spanish AP Statistics Animation AP Computer Science Aquatic Science AP Biology AutoCAD AP Environmental Science Automotive AP Chemistry Civil Engineering AP Physics Debate AP World History Digital Graphics AP U.S. History Electronics AP U.S. Government & Politics French AP Art History Home Arts AP Music Theory Home Economics AP Studio Art Principles of Engineering AP Macroeconomics Video Production AP Psychology Web Mastering *AP and Elective course offerings may vary from campus to campus Quotes from alumni & Parents Advanced Science and Technology Academy: What a blessing it is for Bryan to have such an advanced science and technology academy. As a former homeschool teacher I knew that the schooling I was doing didn t compare to the animation class my son is taking along with the hand held computers they are using in science class. The SAT prep, reading, writing and organization skills they are acquiring from Language Arts are phenomenal. I knew my son was accelerated in math but I wasn t sure how far to advance him. Harmony was able to determine where he should be and he s making the grade in the upper grade math class. Harmony Science Academy has been a great place for him to get socialized with other kids plus, he enjoys being on the Robotics Team and Football Team. Melissa Schulman, Harmony Bryan/College Station Parent Harmony gave me the chance to reach my true potential; they challenged me and always kept me involved with many of their activities. They still help me currently by allowing me to be a part of their organizations and important events. They prepared me for college and life in various ways. Brandon Okafor, Harmony Class of 2007 (Enrolled at UT Austin) Harmony Science Academy has given me opportunities that no other school could offer: small, interactive classrooms, peer tutorial programs, and even opportunities to work in university research labs and to travel abroad! These are the impetus for achievement and future success. Angelina Tran, Harmony Class of 2006 (Enrolled at Rice University) 13

14 College Readiness All Harmony graduates are Texas Scholars. Students follow either the Recommended High School Program, or the Distinguished High School Program. In addition, students complete a minimum of two courses eligible for college credit while in high school. Early Graduation! Early Start! With proper planning, students will have the opportunity for early graduation. Students at Harmony will have a chance to start college level work and earn college credits in the following ways: Dual Credit Program 14 College Counselling College Planning College Board AP Courses Beginning in 9th grade, each student is assigned A guidance counselor is available to students College Board CLEP test a faculty advisor. The student meets with the as they prepare for college. Students receive advisor on a regular basis to discuss issues assistance with academic issues throughout The Harmony Guidance and Counselling related to academic progress and planning as high school including: PSAT/NMSQT, SAT test, Center offers information and assistance well as to provide support and encouragement. college search, college application, financial The advisor serves as an advocate for the aid process, scholarships, and internship concerning college scholarships, grants, student and is the main contact person for placements. course placements. CTE courses leading to a post-secondary certification community service opportunities, and prestigious academic competitions.

15 College Bound education The goal of high school programs at Harmony Schools is to prepare students for four year college and for life. To that end, the core curriculum in the high school grades is designed to give each student the essential elements of a college preparatory education along with opportunities to engage in the exploration of intense study of particular fields of interest. College Going School Culture Students will experience the following opportunities: Rigorous coursework to prepare for college Advanced level Pre-AP courses starting as early as 6th grade Dual credit courses Harmony Schools have 100% College Acceptance and 0% Drop-out Rates Variety of AP selection PSAT/SAT selections in grades 7-12 Career Education classes in grades 9-12 Interacting and studying with university professors/students Project Lead the Way Opportunity to communicate with Harmony alumni Harmony partnered with Project Lead the Way for its offering of a nationally recognized pre- Attending college fairs throughout the high school years engineering curriculum into its technology classes. The Harmony pre-engineering program Participating in college search trips includes a sequence of courses which, combined with college preparatory mathematics and One-on-one college counselling and early identification of science courses in middle and high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college. The courses include Introduction to Engineering Design, Digital Electronics, Principles of Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Design & Modelling, The Science of Technology, Automation & Robotics, Aerospace Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering. appropriate career Harmony offers well equipped school settings and technology integration to respond to the needs of our students. 15

16 Harmony Schools Leading Public Education in Texas Harmony Science Academy-Houston 5435 S. Braeswood Blvd. Houston, TX77096 Phone: (713) Fax:(713) Beechnut St. S. Braeswood Blvd. HSA-Houston Chimney Rock Rd. Beechnut St. S. Braeswood Blvd. W Bellfort Ave Designed by Helix Design and Production / Houston - Austin - Dallas - San Antonio - El Paso - Fort Worth - Lubbock Beaumont - Waco - Bryan/College Station - Brownsville - Grand Prairie - Laredo