STEM High School FAQs
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What does the acronym STEM stand for?
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
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Does STEM Academy follow the California Standards?
Our teachers incorporate the CA Standards and go beyond them to prepare students for advanced
classes. We offer an engaging, challenging, content-rich curriculum that builds a solid foundation and
grows from year to year.
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Are high school students required to do a Research Project?
Yes, students will be continuing multi-year research with the help of mentors from UCR and the
professional community, much like a grad student. Students will be well grounded in Core sciences:
Biology, Chemistry and Physics
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How will STEM HS be different than other High Schools?
The HS curriculum is constructed around the STEM focus of the school. Students will also participate in an
ongoing science/engineering research program. In addition STEM HS students will be matched up with a
STEM professional to mentor them with their research project. The school will also be offering a high
level of computer programming courses. Programing skills are essential in the STEM focused research in
the 21st Century. Other academic courses at the STEM HS will integrate STEM content in their curricula.
The STEM HS will offer a full range Honor’s and Advance Placement courses (AP courses) in all academic
areas. The STEM HS has very close ties to the University of California, Riverside and it is involved in the
development of the STEM HS.
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What HS grade level will be offered in 2013-14?
We will start with 9th grade and will be adding one grade each year.
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Will all the UC A-G college requirements be satisfied?
Yes, the STEM HS will offer all the courses for students to complete the UC-A-G requirements.
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What courses will be offered in the 9th grade year?
The proposed 9th grade course of study will be Honors Chemistry, Honors Algebra II, Geometry, Honors
Language Arts, Foreign Language, Computer Programming/STEM Research, and Physical Education.
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Where will the campus be located?
The current plan is to have the HS classes start on the RSA campus. We are looking at facilities options to
decide where we will go as the school grows.
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How many students will be enrolled the first year?
We are planning to enroll 70 students.
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Who would be the principal for the HS?
Dale Moore will be the principal for both the Middle School as well as the High School.
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Will there be an athletics program?
CIF rules state that students will be allowed to go to their home school to participate in sports. The STEM
HS will not have its own sports program. We are in the process of completing the necessary paperwork
with the district and CIF in order for Riverside STEM Academy students to go to their home school in
Riverside Unified School District to participate in a sport. This only applies to students that reside within
the Riverside Unified School District. RSA does not have agreements with schools in other school districts
at this time.
If your student wishes to participate in a fall sport, please contact the Athletic Department or Athletic
Director at your home school (within RUSD) to request a “sports packet” so that you may begin the
process of getting your physical release from the doctor. Be prepared to show two valid proofs of address
(utility bill, bank statement, mortgage statement or rental agreement) to validate your home school.
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What foreign language will be offered?
Final decision has not been made, although these languages are being considered: Spanish, because it is
very useful for our area, French, Latin, and Chinese.
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What are the basic requirements for students that are interested in applying for the STEM HS?
Students must be prepared academically to enter Honors Chemistry and Algebra II or Geometry. They
must be prepared for the academic rigor of the STEM HS.
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Can the school expand to include upper grades?
This school site would have a difficult time handling more students after the 2013-2014 school year. We
are looking at a one year window for the HS to be on the current STEM campus. The STEM Principal is
working with the RUSD district office on a plan for subsequent years.
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Do current students have to go through the lottery to be accepted?
Our current students who meet the criteria, (based on a consensus from teachers/parents who determine
if the student is ready for the next level and will be successful) will get first preference – they do not have
to go through the lottery. Students will be accepted based upon their academic readiness to participate
successfully at the STEM HS.
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Will the 8th grade teachers be teaching HS courses?
No, new teachers will be hired to teach the HS STEM courses.
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When are current 8th grade students notified if they are accepted at STEM?
Deadline for transfers is March 29th.
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Can parents be notified in advance whether or not their student is a candidate for the 9th grade
program?
The 8th grade team meets regularly and can decide which students are not ready – they will notify parents
in advance so that transfers to another HS could be made before the March 29th deadline.
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Will the HS students be separated from the other students?
They will be housed in the classrooms located near the lower parking area.
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Will there be opportunity for community service projects?
Yes, we are planning on having students involved in community service as part of a STEM Diploma.
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Will there be labs available for chemistry classes?
Yes, we are currently determining what is needed and it will be available to our new 9th grade class.
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Will there be a variety of non-STEM courses to take?
When students take multiple science and math courses, we are limited in the amount of non-STEM
courses. Whenever we can, we will offer AP classes.
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What is the multi-year commitment from the district?
The RUSD Cabinet is committed to providing the necessary support of the successful start-up of the STEM
HS.
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