The Abilene Independent School District and McMurry University are partners in offering the Center for Innovation, a mathematics and science magnet school program for Grade 5 students. This program offers enriched/enhanced opportunities in mathematics and science using the Grade 5 curriculum as set forth by the state as the foundation for the students’ studies.

The group of Grade 5 students attend school on the McMurry University campus and receive instruction from two full-time Abilene ISD teachers and a cadre of professors from the McMurry faculty.  Through collaborative planning, the classroom teacher and McMurry professors will coordinate units of study in math and science. The classroom teachers incorporate math and science connections in language arts and social studies units as well.  Students receive instruction in music and PE as well as technology and library services. Technology is incorporated into all areas of content study. As part of the program, students participate in curriculum-related field trips and special math and science projects.