Curriculum

Elementary (K-5) Essential Standards

• Kindergarten Essential Standards

• 1st Grade Essential Standards

• 2nd Grade Essential Standards

• 3rd Grade Essential Standards

• 4th Grade Essential Standards

• 5th Grade Essential Standards

• Elementary Music Essential Standards

• Elementary PE  Essential Standards

• Elementary Art Essential Standards

• Elementary STEM Essential Standards

Secondary (6-12) Essential Standards

• ELA (English Language Arts)

• Math

• Science

• Social Studies

What Is The Law All About? 

Read by Grade Three Law

Michigan’s Read by Grade Three Law was created to help all children become strong readers by the end of third grade. The law requires schools to check reading progress often and provide extra support for students in kindergarten through third grade who are not yet reading at grade level.

How We Support Students

• Early in the school year, teachers give quick reading assessments to find out who needs extra support.
• If your child is behind in reading, they will receive an Individual Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP) — a personalized plan designed to build reading skills.
• Teachers, support staff, and parents work together to create and update the plan throughout the year.
• You will receive a Read-at-Home plan with ideas and activities to help your child practice reading at home.
• Your child will continue to receive targeted support until they are reading at grade level.
  
  

Third Grade Expectations

• In the spring of third grade, all students take the state reading assessment.
• Students who are not yet reading proficiently will continue to receive individualized help and intervention.
• The law no longer requires students to be held back automatically for low reading scores, but instead focuses on giving them the support they need to succeed.
• Parents will be notified of their child’s reading progress and what next steps will be taken.

Michigan has passed new laws to ensure students with characteristics of dyslexia are identified early and get the help they need to become successful readers.

What Families Should Know

• Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, all K–3 students will take part in universal reading screenings that help identify early signs of reading difficulties, including dyslexia.
• Teachers will receive specialized training to recognize and support students who show signs of dyslexia or other reading challenges.
• Schools will use approved, evidence-based reading programs that include explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Families will be informed of screening results and will work together with teachers to plan interventions if needed.
  
  

Our Commitment at HPS

At Holland Public Schools, we are committed to ensuring that every child becomes a confident reader. Through early screening, individualized reading plans, and ongoing support, we make sure every student gets what they need to grow and thrive in literacy.

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.

Learn more about Holland Early College.

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.

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 Courses Offered to HPS Students

PreK- 5: Weekly Music Special Class | Weekly Art Class

Grades 5-8: Band, Choir, Orchestra, and Music Appreciation | Ceramics and Visual Arts

Grades 9-12: Vocal Dimensions, Chorus, Concert Choir, Symphony Band, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra. | Intro to Art, Fiber Arts, 2D Art, and Graphic Design

Learn more about these programs

• Band/Orchestra
• Choir
• Theater
• Visual Arts

All HPS are given access to a personal learning device that is grade-level appropriate.

• Grade K-2: Classroom Touchscreen Chromebook (Stays in classroom)
• Grade 3-8: Classroom Chromebook (Stays in school. 6-8 students may request to bring their Chromebook home for school use.
• Grade 9-12: Chromebook

To ensure that students are safely and appropriately using school technology, HPS uses Securely - a technology monitoring software

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

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.

ML Core Services Description: 2024-2025 - Language Assistance Program for all Multilingual Learners (MLs)

Kindergarten and newcomer monolingual Spanish speakers Kinder – 8th grade – Placement into TWBI program

1. Enrollment form sent to HLA (if K-5) and family referred there.

2. If parents opt out, a form is signed and the students will attend neighborhood school.

Transitional Kindergarten - 5th grade (nonTWBI)

Literacy and Reading Instruction at Holland Public Schools

At Holland Public Schools, we are committed to providing a comprehensive and effective literacy curriculum that meets the diverse needs of our students.

We use HMH Into Reading Version III (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) as our primary literacy resource, ensuring consistency and alignment with Michigan’s educational standards. To strengthen early reading skills, we’ve integrated UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute) and Heggerty Phonemic Awareness programs into our classrooms—helping students build strong foundations in phonics, fluency, and word recognition.

Our educators have collaborated to define essential learning outcomes that guide instruction and support student achievement across all grade levels. In addition, many of our teachers are participating in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training, equipping them with the latest, research-based strategies for effective reading instruction.

We regularly use assessments to monitor student progress and identify where extra support may be needed. When students need additional support, we provide targeted interventions designed to accelerate learning and support catch-up growth.

This cohesive blend of curriculum, assessment, professional development, and intervention ensures that every student at HPS receives high-quality literacy instruction designed to help them grow as confident, capable readers and lifelong learners.

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 (2024-25)
• Holland Heights -  School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2024-25)
• Jefferson - School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2024-25)
• West -   School Improvement Plan  | Annual Report (2024-25)
• Holland High (includes Early College) - School Improvement Plan| Annual Report (2024-25)
• HVRT - School Improvement Plan| Annual Report (2024-25)
• Holland Language Academy -  School Improvement Plan | Annual Report (2024-25)
• District Improvement Plan| Annual District Report (2024-25)

• 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.

Title I at Holland Public Schools

At Holland Public Schools, we are committed to ensuring that every student achieves success. Title I supports this commitment by providing federal funding to enhance instruction and offer additional academic support for students who need extra time and help to meet grade-level expectations. Through Title I, we can provide targeted instruction, intervention programs, and instructional assistants who work directly with students in reading, math, and other core subjects. This support helps us reach our goal of providing high-quality educational opportunities for all students, preparing them for future success.

The following Holland Public Schools are eligible for Title I funding: Holland High School, Holland Virtual (HVRT), Holland Middle School, Jefferson Elementary, Holland Heights Elementary, Holland Language Academy (HLA), and West Elementary.

Family involvement is essential to student success. Our Family–School Compact outlines how families, schools, and students will work together to support learning and achievement.

View the HPS Family–School Compact
View the Parent Involvement Plan per building for 2025-2026 school year:

• Heights
• High School
• Holland Language Academy 
• HVRT
• Jefferson
• Middle School
• West

Families are encouraged to participate in decisions about their child’s learning and to share feedback on school programs. If you’d like to get involved or have ideas to share, please contact your building principal — we value your partnership!

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.

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.

Reproductive health is a lifelong process of learning and personal development. At Holland Public Schools, our goal is to provide students with accurate, age-appropriate information that supports healthy decision-making and respect for self and others.

Our reproductive health curriculum is based on both Michigan Health Education Standards and National Standards for comprehensive Health Education. These standards help ensure that our instruction is medically accurate, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with best practices in health education.

We regularly review and update our curriculum to reflect current research, community values, and student needs. Instruction focuses on four main goals:

• Providing accurate, factual information
• Offering opportunities to explore, question, and assess attitudes and values
• Developing interpersonal and decision-making skills that support healthy relationships
• Encouraging students to exercise personal and social responsibility regarding sexuality

Parents and guardians have the right to review all reproductive health materials and to opt their child out of any part of the instruction. 

For questions or more information, please contact the Department of School Improvement at 616.494.2042.