Mini Medical School | Parent Hero Academy

The CPASS Foundation Mini Medical School (MMS) at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) offers an engaging, hands-on introduction to the health sciences for 4th–8th grade students and their families. Through interactive case studies, experiments, anatomy exploration, and role-model mentorship, young learners and parents discover the world of medicine together.

This Saturday enrichment program is offered free of charge by Chicago Medical School (CMS) to students and families from local neighborhoods around RFUMS.

At the start of the year, students participate in a White Coat Ceremony, where they don their first white coats and pledge curiosity, kindness, and commitment to learning. This tradition symbolizes their entry into the Mini Medical School journey and sets the tone for the year ahead. At the end of the year, students will participate in a graduation ceremony. They will receive a certificate commemorating their commitment and completion of their given Mini Medical School Year.

Mini Medical School

Year 1 introduces 4th–6th grade students to the foundations of health science through the seven organ systems: Brain & Mental Health, Cardiovascular, Immunology, Gastrointestinal, Musculoskeletal, and Pulmonary.

Students take part in:

• Pre- and post-quizzes to measure learning
• Anatomy and physiology explorations with specimen dissections
• Hands-on experiments and technology stations
• Career and healthcare role-model sessions
• Take-home assignments reinforcing topics discussed in class

Year 2 is designed for returning students ready for advanced science and application. This program emphasizes critical thinking and scientific discovery through the seven organ systems: Brain & Mental Health, Cardiovascular, Immunology, Gastrointestinal, Musculoskeletal, and Pulmonary.

Students take part in:

• Pre- and post-quizzes
• Experiments guided by anatomy/physiology principles
• Community-building circles and team-based inquiry
• Final Science Fair project: each student selects a disease, completes research assignments throughout the year, and presents a poster at the culminating fair

Parent Hero Academy

Parent Hero Academy (PHA) runs alongside student sessions, empowering parents and guardians with tools to support their children’s academic and personal growth. Each session includes:

• Guest speakers on topics like Science, Technology, Education, Math, and Medicine (STEMM) education, financial literacy, mental wellness, and career navigation
• Guidance on supporting homework and take-home kits
• A one-hour MMS content overview to align parents with what their students are learning
• Special sessions such as CPR certification and a Healthcare Career Fair

Applications

Applications for the next session will open in Fall 2026.

To learn more, contact Chrysanthemum at cms.communityhealth@rosalindfranklin.edu