Frequently Asked Questions

STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math.

Yes. The Jerry Knight STEM Academy is an advanced academic program located at Brooks Wester Middle School. The academy is designed to provide a rigorous and focused course of study emphasizing STEM.  Learners are challenged to create, build and to think “outside of the box” as they learn vital 21st century skills, including collaboration and critical thinking, to succeed in life. Coursework is advanced with a Pre-AP concentration and integrates project/problem-based learning, maker space and open learning environments. The learning environment at the academy gives students “voice and choice” to create, invent, tinker and explore with the end result being high-quality and authentic products.

Yes. By law, the Jerry Knight STEM Academy must follow the state standards. However, the Jerry Knight STEM Academy modifies the scope and sequence of the MISD curriculum to allow for academic acceleration and cross-curricular instruction. Additionally, instructional staff integrates STEM instruction within all core and elective classes.

Yes. The Jerry Knight STEM Academy will have a variety of clubs to experience during the school day and after school.

Yes. Learners at this Academy will continue to participate in Physical Education (P.E.) and select Fine Arts as required by the Texas Education Agency.

Any MISD learner going into the sixth grade can apply for the Jerry Knight STEM Academy. See the application for details.

We are looking for learners who are inquisitive and excited about learning more about science, technology, engineering and math. Because the Jerry Knight STEM Academy is an advanced academics program, we have detailed information about academic criteria that can be found on the application.

Yes. There is no cost to attend the Jerry Knight STEM Academy.

Applications will be completed online on the Jerry Knight STEM Academy website.

Applications will open in late fall of 2020. Specific dates have not been determined at this time.

Each applicant will receive a decision letter by email and will be required to return a commitment letter to the Academy. Dates are to be determined.

Selection is based on the criteria rubric that looks at academic performance. Consideration is made for representation from all areas of the Mansfield school district.

There will be 100 learners accepted for the sixth grade. These learners will continue enrollment at the school for the seventh and eighth grade.

Yes. Transportation will be provided to any learner accepted who resides in the MISD attendance zone.

Yes. Parent information meetings are typically held in the fall. Dates will be announced, when available, on the Jerry Knight STEM Academy website.

The Jerry Knight STEM Academy will follow the MISD middle school arrival and dismissal times.

Please feel free to contact Shaye Anne Atwood, associate principal of the Jerry Knight STEM Academy, at shayeatwood@misdmail.org if you have any other questions.