The IH program in both grades’ pairs grade level social studies and language arts courses. Elements of art, architecture, and art history are also included in the IH program. Students will write in a variety of modes, including expository, narrative, persuasive writing, and literary analysis.  Students will develop skills in critical reading, reflection, revision, collaboration and oral communication. 

The primary goals of these courses are to foster independent learning, encourage in-depth exploration of the content through interdisciplinary projects, and develop academic habits of mind.  Students will develop humanities related research skills. IH students also take a research class. The integrated curriculum is project-based and exposes students to conceptual understandings that can be applied to the real world.  

Integrated Humanities Program Coursework Trajectory 

In the IMS program, 7^th grade students will take Life Science paired with Algebra 1 and 8th Grade students will take Physical Science paired with Geometry.  IMS students also take a research class. The integrated curriculum is project-based and exposes students to conceptual understandings that can be applied to the real world.  

Students will represent and solve a variety of practical problems, generalize patterns, model relevant situations with algebraic and geometric models, and develop reasoning skills through a connection with life and physical sciences. Though not the only pathway, participation in this program places students in an ideal situation to have the prerequisite coursework to apply for admission to the Governor’s School at Innovation Park during their 10^th grade year.

Integrated Math and Science Program Coursework Trajectory 

EIP is distinguished by its holistic methodology of educating the whole student. The unique style of providing academic, career, leadership, and personal/social resources produces students who avow the notions of life-long learning, ownership of education, respect for self and others, leadership ethics, and social advocacy. EIP’s goal is to improve the quality of life of our students and their families by being a reliable resource for academic and personal development. They have strategically designed programs to enrich students academically, develop them personally and socially, and engage them with their communities. As a result, each student is equipped with the knowledge and skill-set to become productive and responsible global citizens.

EIP Program Components:

• Academic Mentoring Program (AMP)
• STEM Fusion
• Strengthening the Family
• Summer Academy
• Leadership Academy
• College Transitions

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 How to Apply

Nomination:

To become an EIP Prep Student, a candidate must first be recommended by their school counselor and/or a teacher. Once nominated, students and their parents are invited to attend an information session where the benefits of the program are outlined and families are given instruction on how to access the online EIP Prep Application link. For your reference, the EIP Prep nomination period is during the spring semester.

Requirements to Apply:

• Currently be in the 7th grade at Metz Middle School
• Must be first generation college bound student
• Recommended by school counselor or teacher
• Attend Information Session to receive access to program application link

Selection Process:

EIP selects participants based on the following:

• Recommendation of two adults. The first of the two must be a school counselor or a teacher. The second could be an Extracurricular Coach, ​
  Religious Leader,  or an Extracurricular Activity Member ​that can attest to the candidate’s character and ability to perform well in an intense college preparation curriculum.
• Review and assessment of the candidate’s application
• Additional considerations for extraordinary circumstances are given during the process. These include: an uneven academic record; a strong academic record but facing special circumstances (e.g., family in crisis, in need of extra support, etc.); eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch; single-parent family; non- or limited-English-speaking family.

The selection process is competitive, and unfortunately, the size of the program limits the number of students selected. Should students decide to apply, they are responsible for completing and submitting the application by the specified deadline.  Students are responsible for making sure all sections of the application are completed (Student's, Guardian's, and Recommenders' sections). All student applicants and their guardians will be contacted by the EIP office via email with the final decision status of their application. 

Is EIP Prep the Best Fit for Your Student?

In deciding if the Early Identification Program's Preparatory Program will be appropriate for a student, please consider the following questions:

• Does the student want to attend college?
• Can the student realistically participate in all EIP Prep activities? These include but are not limited to a 3-week academy every summer and monthly Saturdays throughout the school year.
• Will the student actively participate in weekly academic coaching and mentoring sessions?
• Is the family prepared and willing to support the student throughout this 5 year journey?

For information, please feel free to contact the EIP office via phone at 703-993-3120 or email at eip@gmu.edu