Academics
No matter the student, Holland Public Schools offer programs that are right for them.
Mathematicians and musicians. Readers, writers and robotics enthusiasts. The curious and the creative. All students find a place that fits their needs and a path that nurtures their interests. The breadth of our programming is matched only by the diversity of the students that learn, grow and succeed here.
Learn more about the Academic programs that help make Holland Public Schools Right for You!:
Public Act 306, “3rd Grade Reading Law”
What Is The Law All About?
- In an effort to boost reading achievement, Michigan lawmakers passed Public Act 306 in October 2016
- To help more students be proficient by the end of 3rd grade, the law requires extra support for K-3 students who are not at grade level in reading
What Is HPS Doing To Help My Student?
- Your school will use tests to identify students that need extra help with reading
- If your child is identified, your school will provide your child with an Individual Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP) to support him/her in his/her reading
- Parents will be invited to provide input through a document mailed home.
How Will This Affect My Child?
- Your child will be given additional support to work towards grade level expectations.
Early College
Holland Early College offers an exciting choice for 9th-13th grade students. Located within Holland High, Holland Early College offers enrolled students the opportunity to earn a Holland High diploma while also earning up to 62 transferable college credits. In some cases, students graduate with an Associate's Degree.
In partnership with Davenport University, students are able to begin exploring a general applied associate's degree or begin career pathways in technology, engineering, health fields, or a developing teacher preparation program. Alumni of this program have obtained successful careers and/or are continuing their post-secondary education in pursuits of four-year degrees.
Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment allows students to enroll in college courses for credit prior to high school graduation. College credits earned through dual enrollment can be simultaneously applied toward high school and college graduation and can be transferred to other colleges or universities.
HPS participates in the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act (PSEO) and, therefore, provides payment per the per pupil spending allowance for eligible course(s).
Learn more about Dual Enrollment.
Careerline Tech Center
Holland Public partner with Careerline Tech Center to help students prepare for the future.
Recognizing that all students learn differently, the Tech Center offers a variety of options. If college is the goal, direct credit options and articulation agreements with area colleges allow students to earn college credits while taking a Tech Center class. State and national certifications can also be earned in classes like Engineering, Mechatronics/Robotics, Healthcare, and Web & Game Development.
Fine Arts
Band/Orchestra
Choir
Theater
Visual Arts
1:1 Technology
STEM
STEM
All K-8th grade students at HPS have a STEM class. This starts in Kindergarten, and goes through 8th grade. STEM focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in a hands-on integrated way. K-5 grade students have STEM once a week, 6th and 7th grade students have STEM every day, and 8th graders take STEM as an elective.
Project Lead the Way
Project Lead the Way
3-Year Project Lead the Way Pathway
Introduction to Engineering Design
Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3-D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work.
Principles of Engineering
Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation.
Transitional Kindergarten
ESL
Two Way Bilingual Immersion
Curriculum
Holland Public Schools curriculum is aligned with Michigan Department of Education State Academic Standards K-12.The state academic standards serve to outline learning expectations for Michigan’s students and are intended to guide our local curriculum development. These standards should be used as a framework for curriculum development with the curriculum itself prescribing instructional resources, methods, progressions, and additional knowledge valued by our HPS community. These standards provide a platform for state assessments, which are used to measure how well schools are providing opportunities for all students to learn the content outlined by the standards. Horizontal alignment assures that all students have access to the same curriculum regardless of which Holland Public School they attend or teacher they are assigned. Vertical articulation addresses the transition between one grade or subject level to the next. At HPS, this is an ongoing process that is never fully complete as teachers and administrators continue to look at data, research, and resources and how well the curriculum is being implemented. We believe that ensuring that every student has the same access to curriculum and instruction is the right of every student at HPS!
AER | School Improvement Plans
Thank you for your interest in learning more about our district. To view annual reports or school improvement plans for individual schools, or to view district information, simply click on the building or district name below.
If you have questions for us, please give us a call. We will be happy to answer your questions. Your e-mails are welcome as well.
- HMS (formerly East) - School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2023-24)
- Holland Heights - School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2023-24)
- Jefferson - School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2023-24)
- West - School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2023-24)
- Holland High (includes Early College) - School Improvement Plan| Annual Report (2023-24)
- HVRT - School Improvement Plan| Annual Report (2023-24)
- Holland Language Academy - School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2023-24)
- District Improvement Plan| Annual District Report (2023-24)
- HMS (formerly East) - School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2022-23)
- Holland Heights - School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2022-23)
- Jefferson - School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2022-23)
- West - School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2022-23)
- Holland High (includes Early College) - School Improvement Plan| Annual Report (2022-23)
- HVRT - School Improvement Plan| Annual Report (2022-23)
- Holland Language Academy - School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2022-23)
- District Improvement Plan| Annual District Report (2022-23)
If you need help accessing any of these files please contact Liliana Figuero at 494-2042 for assistance.
Teacher Evaluation and Posting Assurance
Teacher Evaluation and Posting Assurance
- Teacher Evaluation and Postings and Assurances
- Administrator Evaluation Posting and Assurance
- Resources and Tools
- Process and Training Plan
Title One Funding
Holland Public Schools has an uncompromising commitment to student achievement. Title One supports this commitment with federal funding that provides additional instructional services for our students who need extra time and instruction to succeed in school. Title One funding helps us reach our goal of providing opportunities and high quality education to ALL students, allowing students to reach their full potential and preparing them for the future.
Buildings that benefit from Title 1 funding are:
Holland Middle
Holland Middle Family-School Compact
Jefferson
Jefferson Family-School Compact
Holland Heights
West
HLA
Parents who visit our buildings have most likely met some of our Instructional Assistants during the course of the year. These positions have been funded by Title One for the purpose of providing extra support in the core content areas.
Parent involvement is key to your student's success. Click here for the district parent Involvment Plan
We want HPS parents to be involved in decisions regarding their student(s) and school. If you would like to share your ideas about what your child learns, please contact your building principal. We'd love to have you be a part of the planning processes.
If you are not sure who to talk to, please contact Brianna at 616-494-2040- she will point you in the right direction.
Online Learning Opportunities (21f)
Online Learning
Section 21f of the FY2013 State School Aid Act expands access to digital learning options for students in Michigan. This legislation enables public school students in grades 6-12, with the consent of a parent or guardian, to enroll in up to two online courses during an academic, semester. Enrollment in online courses under Section 21f cannot result in a course load that exceeds a full-time schedule. Deadline for course enrollment is the last day of previous semester. These courses will contain letter grades just like regular courses.
Research:
First review the course offerings in Odysseyware courses on their site or look at the courses available in the Michigan's Online Course Catalog . Please be aware that not all Odysseyware courses are of enough rigor and may not be approved.
Additional parent resources include the following:
Parent Guide to Online Learning https://mvlri.org/resources/guides/parent-guide/
Student Guide to Online Learning https://mvlri.org/resources/guides/student-guide/
Explore:
Look over the Online Readiness Questionnaire to determine if it is a good fit for your student. (provided by Stanislaus State)
Attend:
Attend a meeting with your counselor to decide what is best for your student. At this meeting you will receive a copy of the Student/Parent Contract.
Decide:
Decide which courses to take and turn in the Contract to the Student Success Office by the appropriate deadline. June 1st for the following fall semester and December 1st for the Spring semester. Student(s) will be approved/denied and given notification. Student will meet with 21 Coordinator on 1st day of classes of semester.
Any questions please email at smcmanus@hollandpublicschools.org
Reproductive Health
Reproductive health involves a lifelong process of acquiring information and forming attitudes. The four primary goals of reproductive health education are:
- To provide accurate information
- To provide opportunities to explore, question, and assess attitudes, values, and insights
- To develop skills that foster positive relationships and interpersonal skills
- To help your people exercise responsibility regarding sexuality
Questions can be directed to Patti Dobias, the district director for school improvement, at 616 494-2040.
School Improvement
Associate Superintendent
Administrative Assistant
Director of Early Childhood
Grant Coordinator
McKinney Vento/Fit Coordinator
Academic News
Subscribe to RSS Feed for Academic NewsWest Coast Chamber of Commerce Recognizes HPS at Annual Awards
Inspire Award: This award was presented to Holland Public Schools, a cornerstone of education in the Holland community since 1848. They inspire the community by uniting around the success of every student, creating trailblazing programs for staff and students, and providing meaningful opportunities in and out of the classroom to ensure academic and personal growth.
S.T.E.A.M Night with Gentex
All HPS Students and Families are invited to join Gentex for a districtwide S.T.E.A.M. Night (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)on Thursday, September 26, 5-7pm at Holland High School
- Chemistry demonstrations
- Robotics programming
- Math games
- Engineering challenges
- Art projects
- Fun games,
- PRIZES... and more!
HPSPodcast 5.2
Students and teachers head back to school Thursday, August 22. Today, we talk with one of the leaders of the Class of 2025!
HPSPodcast 4.33
This week, we talk with Patty Beatty, HPS Director of Pre School about all the great things happening at HPS with our youngest learners!
Kindergarten Screening
Our Kindergarten Screening Process helps us make sure we’re connecting with every student’s unique learning needs. We schedule individualized screening appointments for youngsters and parents on specific dates in May.
The results provide an evaluation resource for parents and teachers to review prior to finalizing the decision about program and class placement.
- August 1, 4-7:30pm
- August 2, 8am-4pm
at HPS District Administration Building