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Reimagining Learning: How Huston Middle School is Transforming Education Through Studio Teaching

At Burrell School District, we believe that students learn best when they’re engaged, curious, and empowered to explore. That’s why we’re launching an exciting new approach to education at Huston Middle School—studio teaching—a fun, hands-on model designed to spark creativity, connect learning to real careers, and deepen student engagement.

So, what is studio teaching?

Much like an artist’s or musician’s studio, our studios are spaces for experimentation and creation. These aren’t traditional “sit and get” classes. Instead, students will dive into project-based learning, solve real-world problems, and work with outside experts to explore career paths in areas they’re passionate about. Every studio will include a final product that has an impact—either in the classroom, school, or wider community.

Inspired by innovative schools like Northern Cass in North Dakota, studio teaching aligns with Burrell’s vision of personalized learning. It’s about giving students choice, voice, and real-world purpose in their education—especially at a time when post-COVID engagement has been a challenge.

Here’s how it will work:

  • Studios begin in 7th grade, with students choosing from a list of 21 studios each year. Each studio runs for a quarter, and students not in the band or choir will complete two studios per quarter—up to 16 by the end of 8th grade.
     
  • Studios are organized into five career pathways: Arts & Communication, Engineering & Industrial Technology, Science & Health, Business & IT, and Human Services.
     
  • Each studio will feature an outside career mentor—a community member or professional, ideally a Burrell alum, who helps students connect classroom learning to real-world careers. These mentors will meet with students twice: once to share their personal journey and once to provide feedback or guide a hands-on experience.
     
  • Studios will evolve to become interdisciplinary experiences, centered around meaningful community-based projects. We will be ‌creating opportunities for students to collaborate, problem-solve, and make an impact beyond the classroom.
     
  • Feedback loops, including student surveys, will help teachers refine and improve each studio over time.
     

For 5th and 6th graders, traditional specials will remain, offering students a sampling of the future studio experience.

This is a bold shift, and we know change brings questions. But the foundation is set: our new middle school schedule was built with studios in mind. Our teachers are dedicated, and with support from administrators and community partners, they’ll be equipped to bring these engaging experiences to life.

In the end, our measure of success is simple: students and teachers who are excited to come to school. We’re creating something special at Burrell—and we can’t wait to see what our students build in their studios.