In its continued quest to offer relevant, innovative options, Burleson Independent School District announces Rigorous Educational Arcade Learning Model (REALM) will expand beginning Fall 2019. In a major boost to prepare students for technological careers of the future, REALM will add a graduating class each year, transforming into a school of choice secondary school for grades 6-12.

REALM applies game design to blended learning. Student-paced learning requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which students must master to “level up.” With focus on design and development, electives prepare students for video game development and the skills necessary to enter the workforce or continue on to post-secondary education.

“BISD is working with educators to revolutionize school as we know it,” said Superintendent Dr. Bret Jimerson, “Instruction like that offered at REALM prepares students for careers in professions dependent on a knowledge of coding and other technological skills.”
With a schedule designed to accommodate students’ unique interests and needs, REALM allows for a customized school experience. Much like BISD’s Burleson Collegiate High School, REALM 9-12 students will not participate in athletics or fine arts, instead plunging into the endless possibilities available in game design and development.  

As BISD prepares for Kerr Middle School to move to its new Hidden Creek location, REALM will remain in its current facility, growing with each added graduating class.

“The expansion of REALM is a perfect example of our board of trustees’ dedication to offering innovative education choices while making financially responsible use of our current facilities,” Jimerson added.

Garrett Smith, a seventh-grader at REALM said he chose to attend the school because of his passion for technology.

“Knowing I’ll be doing the majority of my work on my computer is exciting,” Smith said. “I personally work better using technology to work, and this school is very helpful for that. The classes are all advanced. I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, and you can correct your work when needed. And your average grade for every class has to be 90 percent or above to be passing, Like I said, even more of a challenge.”

Smith said he enjoys going to REALM for numerous reasons.

“I love the way we work, on our computers, and I’m always on technology at home, so why not do it at school? I really enjoy coding class too,” Smith said. “Coding is something I had never done until I came here. I ended being really good at it, so I also grew a passion for that. I love the community so much, the community helps more than you could imagine. If you have a problem, I guarantee somebody can fix it. So ever since I came to this school, I’ve been very satisfied.”

In 2019, REALM applications will be open to all incoming sixth through eighth grade students who wish to fill out an application to be included in the lottery for a spot at REALM. The application can be found online at choice.burlesonisd.net, and will open on Feb. 8 at 8 a.m. and close on Feb. 19 at 10 a.m.

Also in 2019, REALM will accept approximately 75 ninth grade students. Incoming freshman interested in attending REALM must submit applications between

Feb. 19 and March 7 for interview consideration, which will be scheduled following the application process. Selected REALM finalists will be notified beginning in early April. In the next few weeks, more information about specific classes and the times for family information nights will be available.

More information on REALM and the student acceptance process is available at http://www.burlesonisd.net/choiceschools/.

Did you enjoy what you read? Click here to subscribe to the Burleson Star