What is The Ross Perot STEM Academy? What is its purpose?
The Ross Perot STEM Academy is a small learning community which operates as a school-within-a-school on the Texas High School campus. The Academy offers students a rigorous, well-rounded education with outstanding instruction that integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics throughout the curriculum. The purpose of the Academy is to increase student achievement, while creating a new workforce of problem solvers, innovators, and inventors who are self-reliant and able to think logically.

How may my child participate in The Ross Perot STEM Academy?
Students who are interested in participating in The Ross Perot STEM Academy must submit an application online at www.txkisd.net. Computers with internet access are available in the Texas High School Academic Advisor’s Office. Additionally, applications can be turned in to Jean Ham, 8th Grade Counselor at Texas Middle School or delivered to the THS Academic Advisor’s Office.

My child doesn’t attend Texas High School. Will he/she be able to participate in The Ross Perot STEM Academy?
Students who are not enrolled in Texarkana ISD may apply to attend The Ross Perot STEM Academy. If non-enrolled students are accepted into the Academy, they then will need to complete the TISD enrollment process. Applications can be submitted online or through the Academic Advisor’s Office at Texas High School.

How will The Ross Perot STEM Academy at Texas High School grow?
In the current academic year, the Ross Perot STEM Academy is serving students in grades 9 through 11. For the 2012-13 academic year, students will be served in grades 9-12.

If my child applies and is accepted into The Ross Perot STEM Academy, will he/she need to re-apply each year in order to stay in the Academy?
Once a student is chosen to participate in the Academy, that student will have the choice to remain in the Academy throughout high school. He/she will not be required to re-apply each year.

What are the benefits of my child being in The Ross Perot STEM Academy?
Many students enter college without the math or science background to be successful. The Ross Perot STEM Academy will focus on college readiness standards and promote the critical thinking skills necessary to empower your child to be successful in a fast-paced, technological world.

The Ross Perot STEM Academy will offer a personalized education that focuses on student leadership and technological skills. To that end, lap top computers are available for use and classrooms are enhanced with current technology teaching modalities.

What courses will my child be required to take as a member of The Ross Perot STEM Academy?
In the four years of high school, students in The Ross Perot STEM Academy will be able to choose from regular level, Pre-Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses in a variety of subject areas. Academy students will be required to take one technology course that focuses on engineering principles and the design process.

Will my child be able to participate in elective courses and athletics?
Students will be able to participate in a variety of elective classes, including athletics, career and technology courses as well as band and fine arts.

How will teaching and learning be different in The Ross Perot STEM Academy?
The primary model for instruction in The Ross Perot STEM Academy will be indirect instruction which includes inquiry, induction, problem-solving, decision making and discovery. Instruction will be student-centered, seeking a high level of student involvement in observing, investigating, drawing inferences from data and forming hypotheses. Teaching and learning strategies will challenge students to innovate and invent. The design process will drive student engagement. STEM content will be integrated into other subject areas.

What are important Ross Perot STEM Academy dates?