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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Facility

Q: Where will classes be held?

A: E-STEM Academy, Inc. opened its first campus in the Fall of 2008. There are now four campuses.

• Middle School Central Campus, which opened in Fall 2010, and will move into its new location at the former Grimes Elementary School located at 9220 Jutland in the Fall of 2011.
• Middle School West Campus, which opened in Fall 2009, and will move into its brand new, state-of-the-art facility located at 7419 Ashcroft in the Fall of 2011.
• High School Central Campus, which opened in Fall 2008, is located at 3703 Sampson Street, and has newly renovated classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art computer labs and smart board technology.
• High School West Campus, which opened in Fall 2009, and will move into its brand new, state-of-the-art facility located at 7419 Ashcroft in the Fall of 2011.

Educational Framework

Q: What classes are offered? How is the curriculum developed?

A:Highly qualified and trained educators, staff, consultants and many local education and technical professionals, collaborate to create the school’s education framework, which includes a program of study, curriculum and classes.

What students learn is based on current research and best practices in education. Research-based instructional strategies and Texas State Standards provide the foundation for all teaching and learning at the STEM high school.

The program of study, which is unique within the Houston Independent School District, focuses on building on what the students already know, learning about important ideas and principles in all the disciplines, including STEM, and experiencing how academics connect to each other and to the world around them.

Students can expect to receive an education that is dynamic and relevant, with rigorous courses. They will engage in learning experiences that build true knowledge by drawing the connection between disciplines and real world applications. They should know that the school is a community committed to their academic and personal success.

Application Process

Q: Who can attend an E-STEM school?

A: Any student eligible to be promoted to the 6th and 9th grades, who is passionate about learning, and who is interested in a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics-oriented curriculum is eligible for consideration. We will accept a limited number of eligible students who will be promoted to the 7th grade during the 2011-2012 school year at the E-STEM Middle School Campus. We will also accept a limited number of eligible applicants who will be promoted to the 10th grade at E-STEM Central and West High School Campuses during the 2011-2012 school year. If more students are interested than there are slots available, a lottery system will be used.

Q: Are the schools just meant for Advanced Placement (AP) students or those who are going into science or engineering careers?

A: No. The E-STEM school is uniquely positioned to provide a highly personalized education to a broad spectrum of students of all academic levels and interests. In fact, we encourage students who would not normally gravitate toward advanced science or math courses to attend the school.

Q: What does the student body look like?

A: In short, we believe the school should match the demographics of our Houston area school district. We strongly advise students from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM careers to explore attending.

Q: How are students selected?

A: The percentage of seats allotted to an E-STEM Academy school is limited to 100 students per grade level. Students apply to the program, and the application process includes interviews with the students and their families. Admission requirements are designed to produce a student body that matches the demographics of the Houston Independent School District. If more students are interested than there are slots available, a lottery system will be used. Once students are enrolled, they are tested for skills and content knowledge in all areas. An individualized student-learning plan is developed based on the results of those assessments.

Q: Are interviews mandatory for prospective students?

A: Yes. As part of the application and acceptance process, parents and students must interview with faculty and staff.

Q: Are the schools accepting students from other school districts?

A: Yes. Presently, we encourage students living in the Alief, North Forest, Aldine, Channelview and Fort Bend School Districts, as well as students from Greater Houston Area State Charter Schools, to apply to E-STEM.

Q: Why limit the number to 100 students per class?

A: This number works well because of the highly personalized learning within the small school model, which is a core attribute of the program. This model focuses on a small learning community, emphasizing individual student and faculty interaction. Each student’s progress is individually assessed and addressed, and personalized graduation plans are unique to the student’s strengths, interests, and areas of growth.

Students

Q: When does school start?

A: The first day of school is Monday, August 15, 2011.

Q: What are school hours?

A: School hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for regular school days. In addition, the tutorial hour is from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. A Saturday tutorial is also held every week from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Q: What is the uniform policy?

A: School uniforms consist of khaki bottoms with white or hunter-green polo style shirts.

Q: Are there any costs for the technology that students will have to use?

A: There are no costs for technologies that will be distributed and assigned to each student (e.g. laptop computer) however, the parent and student must sign an agreement that the item(s) given will be maintained and returned in the same condition.

Q: Is there a school supply list?

A: Students are responsible for being prepared to learn daily. The school does have a school supply list that consists of basic items, such as paper, pens, pencils, etc.

Q: How will students be transported to and from the school?

A: If a student lives within the HISD, he or she will be provided transportation using their existing bus and transportation systems. Ultimately, parents are responsible for transporting their student(s) to their respective E-STEM locations. However, the Energized Schools contracts with private transportation companies to assist with its needs at no cost to the student. This transportation arrangement is again a possibility based on the expressed interest of E-STEM parents.

Q: Will lunch be provided for students?

A: Yes. Lunch is provided in the school cafeteria during regular school days. Parents must fill out a free/reduced lunch application to determine the cost (if any) to participate in the lunch program. Lunch is also provided to students during Saturday tutorials for the E-STEM High School and Middle School Programs.

Q: Does the school provide any tutorials for students?

A: There are mandatory Saturday tutorials (beginning the Saturday after Labor Day) for all students who have been identified by teachers or test scores as needing additional assistance. Individual teachers may arrange before- and after-school tutorials as well.

Q: Are parents’ involvement required?

A: Yes. Parental involvement is mandatory. Parents must attend monthly family nights, parent-teacher conferences, etc.

Q19: Will students receive a diploma?

A: Together with a counselor, each student develops an individualized graduation plan, which will lead to either a "distinguished" or “recommended” diploma.

Q20: Will a student who graduates from an E-STEM school be guaranteed admission to college?

A: Our goal is to produce students who, at a minimum, are college and career ready upon graduation. Students in the E-STEM program may take college courses as upper classmen. Texas Administrative Code §4.85(b) identifies the requirements which must be met by each student who enrolls in a college course for dual credit. Local colleges and universities (Houston Community College, Texas Southern University and University of Houston) will offer to work with E-STEM students when assured they meet qualifications for admission to these schools of higher education.