School Overview

History

Horizon Middle School opened in 2004. The design of the school was awarded the Grand Prize for design excellence in the 2005 edition of Learning By Design, a national publication that showcases excellence in school and university design. A school district design team of 17 parent, teacher and administrator representatives worked with architects from Rozeboom Miller Architects, Minneapolis, Minn., to ensure that the school's design would be appropriate for implementation of the middle school model for students in grades 6-8.

The school was named using the metaphor, "horizon", which represents the dawn with the sun rising on the horizon just as the middle school students are at the dawn or beginning of the next stage in their education and their lives. Middle school is also a time when students are expanding their knowledge, or their horizons, by learning and studying a variety of subjects and participating in new activities.

The Horizon Middle School Campus expanded in 2017 with Horizon East serving grades 7-8 students and Horizon West serving grades 5-6 students.

Programs

Students Working Together at Desk

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)

AVID is a college readiness system that prepares students who are in the academic middle and are usually underserved for college eligibility and success. AVID is offered as an elective course to eligible students in grades 7 and 8. Students and their parents must agree to their participation in AVID, which emphasizes organization, writing, study skills, higher-level thinking skills, and college and career readiness.


Students Outside

After-School Academic Support Opportunities

Horizon Middle School uses after-school and summer programs to give students extra help in reading, writing and mathematics. This program is available for students in grades 7 and 8.

At Horizon East, after-school homework completion time is available twice a week in the media center. A teacher assists students who need time and help in completing homework assignments.

Math and Reading Lab (previously called Excel) is offered twice a week for Horizon East students (either before or after school) to give students mathematics and reading support. Re-teaching a lesson or concept supports students who need more time to practice. Reading and math teachers who may be the students' regular math or reading teacher teach these classes.

BARR logo

BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks)

Great teaching begins with understanding each and every student as a learner – and as a person. The BARR Model allows staff to better understand and build on students’ strengths, proactively address the non-academic reasons why a student may be falling behind in school and identify what resources they need and steps they can take to thrive.  

BARR Coordinator Contact Information:

Rachel Lerum

Student Orchestra

Gifted and Talented

Many writing, research and project assignments in the classroom offer students open-ended opportunities for advanced instruction and performance. Based on test scores and teacher recommendation, students are selected for gifted and talented programs. A coordinating teacher provides a seamless continuum of services for high-potential students in all Moorhead Area Public Schools. Moorhead Area Public Schools provides gifted education by implementing and sustaining efforts that ensure our students have access to differentiated curriculum, flexible pacing, cluster grouping, enrichment options, acceleration and other universal interventions available to all students in the regular classroom.

Opportunities such as the Spelling Bee and math competitions may be available to students who score well on a preliminary test. Activities such as Destination Imagination can provide challenges for students outside of the school curriculum.

Books

Library Media Center

Media center resources support and extend school learning. Students are encouraged to use the media center as much as possible. Coursework will include visits to the media center for research and supplemental assignments. Research skills are taught in various classes and are followed by assignments. Students are free to check out and return books as needed. The library is open before and after school for student use.

Media Specialist Contact Information:

Horizon West: Dan Dooher

Horizon East: Duane Arnold