SIOUX FALLS, SD - A new, private middle school is getting ready to open in Sioux Falls, and administrators are busy putting together the curriculum and planning lessons.

The Middle School Academy will be housed at Excel Achievement Center. Academic Director Cate Sommervold says it'll be project-based education with an accelerated curriculum, but that doesn't mean the school is only for straight-A students.

"It may be the kid showing signs of the adolescent rebellion and they hate school. Maybe it's, 'I'm not engaged at a different level', and maybe it's the kid who's super bright saying, 'I'm bored,'" Sommervold said.

Each child will have their own learning plan, and can explore their interests through schoolwork.

"Gives these students an opportunity to spread their wings and dive deeper in things they want to dive deeper in, and really experience learning," Sommervold said.

Also different about this school, Sommervold says, is that it's more work-intensive for the teachers. They plan on doing an assessment on the children every day to measure exactly where they're at.

"It is more work for the teacher on the front side, without question,” she said. “But you're able to see, as the projects unfold, the teachers do what they actually like to do, which is teaching their students."

And inspire them to rediscover learning.

"Really just want to make sure they leave with the love of learning kids come into kindergarten with," Sommervold said.

Parents are invited to learn more about the Middle School Academy at an open house Wednesday, July 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Excel Achievement Center.

[Middle School Academy Brochure]