MS 54 Booker T Washington Middle School

The DELTA Philosophy

The Delta Program is an honors program founded in 1986 on the philosophy that children with exceptional academic aptitude and creative talent have special characteristics that are best met by a program that is especially designed for them. At Delta we understand that children develop both intellectually and emotionally at varying rates and that all children have both academic and emotional strengths and weaknesses. For that reason we have developed a differentiated curriculum that addresses a child’s individual needs and developmental differences. We provide a variety of learning styles, thereby affording children the opportunity to become active participants in the learning process in a non-competitive atmosphere.

The curriculum we have developed provides an opportunity for children to think critically and to solve problems creatively. Delta students are presented with an interdisciplinary and multicultural curriculum that involves them in dynamic and varied learning experiences, fostering creativity, decision-making and analytical thinking.

Program Highlights

• An accelerated Humanities Program, integrating English Language Arts and Social Studies, from grades six through eight, focusing on Global History in the sixth grade and American History in the seventh and eighth grades.

• An accelerated pre-Algebra curriculum in the sixth grade and Algebra in the seventh and eighth grades, with a cumulating New York State Regent’s Exam given in June of the eighth grade year.

• Fully equipped Science Laboratory to support Life Science and Physical Science in the six and seventh grades, and the New York State Regent’s Earth Science curriculum in the eighth grade. The Earth Science Regent’s exam is given to all eighth graders in June of their last year.

• A choice of French, Spanish or Latin as a two year sequence in grades 7 and 8. Students in Grade 6 are offered a Language Survey Program which allows them an opportunity to experience each language course for 13 weeks before electing a major. All students take a New York State Regent’s Language Proficiency exam in June in the eighth grade.

• Two fully equipped computer laboratories, as well as computers in every classroom all with internet access.

• Full service school library and resource center with computerized card catalogue.

·         Music and Arts Program including: vocal and instrumental music, graphic arts and film studies.

·         Affiliation with numerous museums and cultural institutions including: The Museum of Natural History, The MET, MOMA, The Frick Museum, Morgan Library, The Jewish Museum, Museum The Tenement Museum, Ellis Island Museum, Julliard, Manhattan School of Music, School of Visual Arts, Symphony Space and NYC Public Library.

·         Placement of graduating eighth graders in high schools including: Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, Lehman College HS of American Studies, City College HS of Engineering, Bard Early College, Beacon HS, Eleanor Roosevelt HS, Millenium HS and private day and boarding schools.

Admission Requirements