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For parents who dream of raising a medical doctor, the journey begins Nov. 1, should the stars align.
Dallas ISD and UT Southwestern have partnered to open The Medical District PK-8 Biomedical School — it’s an elementary school focused on biomedical science — on the UTSW campus on Forest Park Road. Enrollment is based on a lottery, and classes will start next fall for kindergarten and will expand one grade level each year through eighth.
The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum, real-world experiences in biomedical science, daily explorations centered on a STEM-based curriculum and firsthand exposure and direct access to innovative fieldtrip opportunities will help “build and inspire the next generation of physicians” by “instilling a love for science in children at an early age,” says UT Southwestern Medical School’s dean Dr. W. P. Andrew Lee.
“Our hope is that the added hands-on experiences and education they will gain during their years at the Medical District PK-8 Biomedical School will be the beginning of a lifelong connection to math, science, and discovery,” he says.
The district reports that the partnership is one of the first in the nation to focus on biomedical science for elementary students at a medical institution.
“This school model is another game-changer for students as the district joins hands with an incredible partner to reimagine learning,” says Michael Hinojosa, superintendent of DISD. “It also highlights how science continues to evolve in a unique, relatable, and innovative way with students as young as three years old. This partnership will help connect students with cutting-edge resources that develop them into the next generation of scientists and medical professionals.”
Fifty percent of the seats are reserved for economically disadvantaged students and 50% are offered to non-economically disadvantaged students.
The application period starts Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 31 at dallasisd.org/medicaldistrictschool.
