Applying to the Academy

2023-2024 STEM Academy Application Process 

Students may apply beginning October 1, 2022.  The application will close October 23, 2022 at 9:00 pm.

Admission notifications will be sent out in January 2023.

 Essay # 3 Sessions

LMS: Thursday, November 3, 2022 beginning promptly after school.

DMS:  Tuesday, November 1, 2022 beginning promptly after school. 

Non-Pub Students/Make Up: Saturday, November 5, 2022.  Students should arrive to the STEM Academy no later than 8:45 am.

1. Requirements to be eligible to apply to the STEM Academy
a. Resident of the Downingtown Area School District by January 1 of the applicant's 8th grade year.

b. 8th Grade student at the time of application
c. A minimum of a “C” Average in all core classes in grades 6, 7, & 8
d. Successful completion of Language Level I (Spanish, French, or German) prior to the start of school.

The STEM Academy reserves the option to administer a Level I test to ensure that students have met the world language pre-requisite.

2. Written Evaluation
a. Three essays, ten points for each = 30 total points
b. Each response must be in essay format with a clear thesis and supporting evidence.
c. Two essays will be completed online and one essay will be completed in-school (at your current school) at the end of the school day as per schedule above.

3. Recommendation
a. Teacher Recommendation= 12 points
b. Each candidate requests one recommendation from a current or former 6th, 7th, or 8th grade teacher. This recommendation is submitted electronically.

4. Scoring
Each application is blind scored by a team of Downingtown Area School District professionals.

5. Interview
Interview of an applicant may occur upon request from the Academy administration.


Total Points= 42 points