Middle School

  • The LISD STEM Academy program is a hands-on, collaborative learning environment dedicated to teaching students Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills. Middle School STEM Academies are open for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students at Downing Middle School, Creek Valley Middle School, Forestwood Middle School, Griffin Middle School, and Hedrick Middle School.

    Learn more about Gateway to STEM 1 at our middle school STEM academies:

    Enrolling at a Middle School STEM Academy
    Middle School STEM Academies do not require a STEM application. Students currently zoned to attend a middle school STEM academy campus will automatically gain enrollment into the LISD STEM Academy. Additional seats, based on campus capacity, will be made available to transfer students.  

    Request a Transfer

    How do I transfer my student to an LISD Middle School Academy?

    The application for transfer will be in your Skyward family access account during the transfer window - click online forms. You can visit https://www.lisd.net/transfer for more information. 

    General Spring Window: January 25-February 16, 2024 (3:00 PM)


  • FAQs

    STEM PROGRAM DETAILS

    Is the LISD MS STEM Academy program for all students next school year?

    The LISD MS STEM Academy will be offered to 6th - 8th grade students at Creek Valley, Downing, Forestwood, Griffin, and Hedrick Middle Schools in the 2023-24 school year.  

    Is the LISD MS STEM Academy involved in all campus classes or is it a program inside the school that we must apply for?

    The LISD MS STEM Academy is offered at Creek Valley, Downing, Forestwood, Griffin, and Hedrick Middle Schools.  All 6th - 8th grade students at these campuses will participate in an enhanced STEM science course that will include investigations and engineering design challenges as part of the science curriculum. Optional STEM electives are available as students' interests and schedules will allow.  No application process is necessary for participation for students attending one of these campuses.

    Will the LISD MS STEM Academies offer Honors or G/T courses?

    Middle school Honors courses are offered in STEM Science, Math, ELAR and Social Studies at the LISD MS STEM Academies.  G/T-specific courses are offered in ELAR. The STEM Science course is designed in a way that students will be challenged and encouraged to approach a problem by asking questions and thinking critically using the engineering design process.

    ELECTIVES

    What electives will the LISD MS STEM Academies offer?

    The LISD MS STEM Academies also offer fine arts and athletics opportunities found at other LISD middle schools, and incorporate unique STEM-focused electives that students may participate in as their interest and schedules allow. Contact your campus for other electives that may be offered.

    ENROLLMENT/TRANSFERS/LOGISTICS

    How do I enroll my child into the LISD MS STEM academy?

    There is not an application to enroll into an LISD MS STEM Academy. If your child’s school path is to attend one of the LISD MS STEM Academies, which are Creek Valley, Downing, Forestwood, Griffin, and Hedrick Middle Schools, your child will automatically be enrolled.

    If your child’s school path does NOT feed into one of the 5 LISD MS STEM Academy schools, you will need to apply for a transfer to that campus. You can find more information regarding the transfer process by visiting the website at https://www.lisd.net/Page/408.

    If my child is zoned for one of the campuses that offers the MS STEM Academy, what do I need to do to enroll my student?

    Students zoned to Creek Valley, Downing, Forestwood, Griffin, or Hedrick Middle School will automatically be enrolled in the STEM program.  There is no further action or registration form that is needed for zoned students or those on a transfer to a feeder elementary school.

    My child attends an Elementary STEM Academy on a transfer. Will my child stay in that feeder pattern moving to middle school or do I need to put in another transfer?

    If a student has been granted a transfer to a campus at the elementary level, that transfer is in place for the feeder pattern for all subsequent schools through graduation unless the transfer is revoked.

    Will transportation be provided to the LISD MS STEM Academies for transfer students?

    Families will need to provide transportation to an LISD MS STEM Academy for students transferring to the campus. Bus service will not be provided.

    If a student gets accepted for a transfer to an LISD MS STEM Academy, will they still be able to choose their electives?

    Students will complete the middle school registration request process for the current campus.  Once the transfer is approved to an LISD MS STEM Academy, the student will be prompted to request new electives that are offered at the new campus.

    When will I be notified if my transfer is approved?

     You can find more information regarding the transfer process by visiting the website at https://www.lisd.net/Page/408

    If I am approved for a transfer and my student changes their mind, can he/she go back to their home campus?

    If your student changes their mind and wishes to remain at their home campus, you will need to notify the transfer office so they can transfer the student back. The request to transfer can be canceled up until the 1st day of school. You can find more information regarding the transfer process by visiting the website at https://www.lisd.net/Page/408.

    My student is on a transfer to an Elementary STEM Academy, but would like to return to their zoned middle school or another LISD MS STEM Academy.  What do I need to do?

    Students will need to fill out a transfer request to the campus that they would like to attend for consideration.  You can find more information regarding the transfer process by visiting the website at https://www.lisd.net/Page/408

    OTHER PROGRAMS

    How will the LISD MS STEM Academy and Instructional Support Services (such as Special Education, 504, and ELL) work together?

    Services will seamlessly transition to work within the STEM Science classroom and Electives pathways.  These STEM opportunities will not replace any support that is proven successful for special populations of students.  If you have specific questions about any student program, please reach out to the campus principal to connect you with the appropriate support staff.

    What services will be provided to G/T students in the STEM Science courses?

    While the STEM Science classes may not be designated as G/T, students will still receive instructional services provided by a G/T trained teacher.  In addition, instructional practices geared toward the gifted learner are embedded in the STEM Science curriculum.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in G/T LEAP courses.

    What electives will be available to students in the Advanced Language Programs at the LISD MS STEM Academies that host that program as well?

    6th & 7th graders will choose a Fine Arts elective and one other elective of choice.  Students who select to continue in the Advanced Language Pathway may request STEM-focused electives in 7th grade and 8th grade.

    Additional questions? Contact the LISD MS STEM Academy at 469-948-8133.