Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQs about Academics at Hamilton
Here are answers to our most often-asked questions.
There is a 6-period day at Hamilton International Middle School. All students are assigned to 4 year-long core classes: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Math.
This leaves two periods for elective classes. Elective classes are either year-long or semester (half year). All students will be assigned to one (1) semester of Physical Education and one (1) semester of Fine Arts unless they are taking two year-long electives.
In April when we receive our list of assigned students from SPS, we will send a welcome letter with a course selection form. This form can be returned by mail or in person. For students enrolled during the summer, course selection forms will be sent out in mid-August.
Current year-long electives include Band, Orchestra, Spanish (for 7th & 8th grade only), Immersion Language Arts Japanese or Spanish, Advanced Drama. Additional full-year choices will be defined on the Choice Form, they vary per grade level.
Current offerings for 2025-2026 are Drama, Art, Yearbook, PE, Choir, Beginning Band.
The Choice Form for 2026-2027 school year will be available after next year student assignments are populated into our database in late April. An email will be sent to all new families with course options at that time.
Physical Education is a required class. PE curriculum includes health and wellness instruction and activities that are recommended for all students. However, students who are taking two year-long elective classes, can be excused from participation. The PE EXEMPTION APPLICATION packets are distributed the first week of October to students who are qualified. Per state regulations, students can also be excused from participation for a) religious reasons, b) health reasons.
All SPS students receive instruction in the foundational K-8 math standards that lay the groundwork for algebra and higher-level math courses that students will take in high school.
We honor the spirit and vision of every student’s IEP. We read each one carefully to learn about student strengths, needs, and goals, and create a schedule with the best combination of support to meet those goals. We speak with families for additional input. We provide services in a continuum of large group, small group, and one-on-one settings, which could include communication services, occupational therapy or physical therapy services, modifications and accommodations in a large class setting, services provided in a study skills or social skills class, and/or services provided in a small-group academic class. Services will be based on the student’s identified IEP strengths, needs, and goals.
More information will be available soon
We honor the brilliance of our students who speak multiple languages! We have a certificated teacher and instructional assistant who support our multi-lingual students in their general education classes and in small group instruction to acquire English proficiency skills.
Hamilton International Middle School is the Dual Language pathway for both John Stanford International Middle School and McDonald International Middle School and offers dual language courses in Spanish and Japanese Language Arts (1 period per day). Mark your choice on Elective form.
Multilingual students who attend Hamilton and whose native language is Spanish or Japanese may also opt-in to this program. If you would like your student evaluated for placement in HIMS Dual Language program, be sure to check the appropriate box on the Elective choice form.
Students that live OUTSIDE of HIMS Geo Zone and are currently enrolled in JSIC or McDonald, please reach out to SPS enrollment services for specific instructions on how to complete the Choice Form.
February 1 – February 29 Open Enrollment School Choice priority applications will be accepted (tiebreakers apply).
Incoming 6th grade students who have been playing an instrument at one of our feeder elementary schools will be recommended for one of our ensembles by their elementary band/orchestra teacher. We offer multiple sections of Band (woodwinds, brass, and percussion), Orchestra (violin, viola, cello, bass), and Choir. Intro Band/Orchestra is typically for students who are brand new to their instrument or who have been playing for less than a year. Premier and Intermediate Band/Orchestra are for students with 1-2 years of experience on their instrument. Concert Band/Orchestra is for students with three or more years of experience and with director approval. Jazz Band is audition only. We have a very limited number of Piano/Guitar/Drum Set spots in Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, and Jazz Band.
Intermediate Choir is for students who have never sung in a choir before or who have limited experience in elementary school. Concert Choir is for students with multiple years of experience singing in choir. Vocal Jazz is audition only.
Instructions for an Audition will be included on the Elective Choice/Instructions form sent to new HIMS families Late April/Early May.
There is typically a 6th Grade Orientation the Thursday before the first day of school. Check our calendar for updated info.
Hamilton International does not offer school tours nor do we have a shadow program for students.