Schools for Innovation

Each school offers a supportive learning environment that promotes the intellectual, creative, social and physical well being of each child.

Thomas C. Miller Elementary
School for Innovation

This school has a special emphasis in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. In fact, TCM was recently recognized as the division’s first STEM school. The core content is woven through all classes creating an integrated approach to instruction. The units of instruction focus on a higher order of thinking skills and the standards of learning.

Dearington Elementary
School for Innovation

Economics, Spanish and science are the three focus areas that designate Dearington as an innovative school. From Kindergarten through second grade students focus on language and culture of Spanish speaking countries. In third through fifth grades students learn the basics of the Spanish language. A fully equipped lab motivates children during their science classes. And to emphasize the importance of good finances, the school is set up like a mini-society where all students are citizens with paying jobs. The students can use their “earnings” for prizes at the school store.

Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle
School For Innovation

Whether your child excels in math and science or loves the arts, DMS has a place for him/her. For the aspiring scientists, the middle school has a herpetology center, laserium and 500 gallon salt water touch tank. For those students who love the limelight, the award winning drama program and student produced television station should create a world of inspiration. On top of those unique courses, the school has extensive foreign language offerings. As an added bonus, students have the opportunity to achieve high school credit for drama and/or band in eighth grade.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 13, 2012

Our elementary Schools for Innovation (T. C. Miller and Dearington) offer exciting options for parents who appreciate a small school environment and additional emphasis on innovative focus areas such as science, economics, performing arts and early Spanish instruction.

At the middle school level, P. L. Dunbar Middle School For Innovation offers additional programming in performing arts and foreign languages. In addition, the school uses a salt water touch tank, reptile center and laser lab to enhance science lessons.

Only those students who currently live outside the attendance zone of the school for innovation that they wish to attend need to apply.

For more information on these schools attend an open house. The schedule is below. Parents interested in year-round school click here.

2012-2013 SCHEDULE FOR SCHOOLS FOR INNOVATION SELECTION PROCESS

2/9/2012 TCM - Open Performance  9:30 a.m.
2/10/2012 The Schools for Innovation (SFIs) will distribute the Pre-Kindergarten Survey to Dearington (DESI) and T. C. Miller (TCM) Elementary SFIs in-zone students only.
2/10/2012 The elementary and middle schools will distribute letters/applications to students:
  • Grades Pre-K-4 will receive: letter/application for DESI & TCM
  • Grades 5-7 will receive: letter/application for Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle SFI (DUNBAR)
2/17/2012 TCM -  Coffee with the Principal Information Session  9:30 a.m.
2/22/2012 DESI - Open House  9:00-11:30 a.m.
2/24/2012 Parents should return the Pre-Kindergarten Survey to DESI & TCM.
3/1/2012 DESI - Premiere for Innovations  6:00 p.m.
Learn more about the “Innovative” programs offered at DESI: Leadership, Spanish, Entrepreneurship, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Initiative from Principal Haley and Team.
3/2/2012 TCM - Coffee with the Principal Information Session  9:30 a.m.
 3/6-8/2012 DESI & TCM – SOL Writing Test for 5th Grade Students
3/8/2012 DUNBAR - Sixth Grade Evening of Innovation  5:30 p.m.
Prospective applicant parents meet with Principal Wray for a special presentation for the rising sixth graders.
3/13/2012 SFIs Application Deadline at the School Administration Building in the department of information technology at 5:00 p.m.
3/15/2012 TCM - K-2 Musical March  9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
4/5/2012 The department of information technology will mail the acceptance and waiting list letters to parents that applied to one of the Schools for Innovation before the application deadline.
4/20/2012 Deadline for parent/student responses to the 4/5/2012 student acceptance letters.
4/24/2012 The department of information technology will call parents who have not returned the response forms, which are on the bottom of the 4/5/2012 student acceptance letters.
4/26/2012 The department of information technology will mail the confirmation and decline letters to parents.

For further information on the SFIs or BASS application and selection process, please contact the department of information technology by e-mail at  gillespieac@lcsedu.net or by phone at (434) 522-3700 ext. 179.

The deadline to apply to one of Schools For Innovation for the 2012-2013 school year is March 13, 2012.

Visit our Schools and Meet our Staff

Dearington Elementary School for Innovation
Mrs. Terrie Haley, Principal
210 Smyth Street
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 522-3757

T. C. Miller Elementary School for Innovation
Mrs. Amy Huskin, Principal
600 Mansfield Avenue
Lynchburg, VA 24501-3340
(434) 522-3717

P. L. Dunbar Middle School for Innovation
Mr. Brian S. Wray, Principal
1200-1208 Polk Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504-3149
(434) 522-3740