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Levels of Recognition

 

Academy Member

Students have completed an SMSA application. They have either participated in the cohort classes and/or STEM-related clubs, teams, or events.

 

Academy Scholar

Students completed an SMSA application.  They completed the cohort classes or approved alternates. They completed at least three additional approved STEM courses.  They have participated in an extended study STEM-related competition or a STEM-related field experience.

 

Academy Commended Scholar

Students completed the SMSA upperclassman application process and have established a Program of Study. They completed nine units of  honors and/or advanced STEM approved courses or approved alternates. They have participated in at least two extended study STEM-related competitions or completed a STEM-related field experience.

 

Academy Distinguished Graduate 

Students have completed the SMSA upperclassman application process. The student has completed all components of their Program of Study and it has been signed and reviewed by the distinction coordinator. The students have met all requirements for academy graduation to include the following:

●        Complete a minimum of four units of high school math beginning with Geometry Trigonometry Honors followed by Algebra II honors, Trigonometry pre-calculus honors, and AP Calculus.
 

●        Complete a minimum of three high school science courses, including honors chemistry, honors biology, honors advanced physics. Academy Capstone students must take one AP Science as an advanced STEM elective.
 

●        Complete a total of nine units of advanced science, technology, engineering and/or math courses receiving an unweighted grade point average of no less than 3.0 in those courses. Academy AP Capstone students must take AP Seminar and may count it as one of their required nine units of study.

●        Complete two Honors English courses or an advanced college-level English course. Academy AP capstone students must take AP English and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition.
 

●        Complete at least two years of one foreign language. Students are encouraged to complete three years to be competitive applicants to selective colleges and universities. 
 

●        Participate in several extended preparation state or national level STEM-related competitions.
 

●        Complete 20 hours of community service.
 

●        Complete an approved STEM-related field experience or senior research project to include written support and presentation. Academy Capstone students must complete the AP Research course as their senior research project.