Math Science Technology Magnet Program

Farnsley's Math, Science, and Technology (MST) Magnet Program prepares students for in-depth study in mathematics, science, and technology fields across all contents. All subject areas are taught through hands-on, integrated projects and through a variety of learning experiences that include: advanced coursework, robotics, computer classes, field trips, speakers, mentors, research projects, and academic competitions.

Upon entry into the MST program, students are expected to participate in their learning and move at an accelerated pace through collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, research, and public presentations of their findings. Students have access to enrichment and academic competitions. 

Important Notes for 23-24 Application:

Requirements for admission: The Farnsley Admission Committee will review the following criteria for acceptance: Academic/Behavior Record—Grade point average of 3.2 or higher as well as above-average behavior over the past two years Standardized Test Results—Above-average test scores on the Kentucky Performance Rating for Educational Progress (K-PREP) during the last two years. Test scores for non-Kentucky or private schools can include the California Test of Basic Skills, Terra Nova, Stanford Test of Academic Skills, etc. Attendance Record—An attendance record of 96 percent or higher over the past two years 

Transportation For School Year 23-24: Per the JCPS School Choice Proposal, "...transportation is provided for all district wide programs or programs zoned for the student’s address (except the K-12 Brown School, for which no transportation is provided)." Magent students residing over 1 mile from Farnsley will be eligible for transportation.

Mathematics

Farnsley's mathematics teachers are focused on helping students build a strong understanding of mathematics in order to become college and career ready. Students will work on mastering the Kentucky state standards while using the eight mathematical practices that will help them develop skills such as problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication and making connections. At Farnsley we use the Illustrative Math curriculum; a problem-based core curriculum designed to address content and practice standards to foster learning for all. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. 

We have also partnered with AdvanceKY to participate in the Access to Algebra program. The program’s overall goal is to increase the number of middle school students prepared for advanced STEM coursework in high school by increasing support and rigor in middle school math. The program supports middle school teachers with quality training, classroom resources, national exam fees for students, as well as incentives for students, teachers, and administrators aimed at increasing the number of students meeting benchmark in math on the PSAT 8/9 Exam.

The $25 million GE grant brings an exciting hands-on curriculum to science. Science is taught through self-designed experimentation, inquiry, and research projects. A special focus on environmental science includes involvement with agencies, such as the Louisville Water Company and the Metropolitan Sewer District, to conduct research and to engage in activities that include developing an outdoor classroom, conducting water analysis, taking canoe trips, and caving. In a partnership with American Synthetic Rubber Company (ASRC), science teachers are able to connect science curriculum with real-world uses in the community. Students also have the opportunity to visit the ASRC chemical production plant to make connections with their classroom instruction. ASRC also provides chemical engineers to work together with our school to have a successful Science Fair. Farnsley also has an environmental club, which has developed a wetlands area that is used as an outdoor classroom and where students grow plants native to this area.

Science

The JCPS science curriculum utilizes the OpenSciEd curriculum and provides an exploratory learning approach to science education that prepares students to imagine, invent and inspire. The curriculum supports students so they can engage in examining multiple investigations driven by student questions with a range of possible outcomes.

Curiosity leads to learning, therefore, the curricula fosters a climate in which investigation, problem solving and discourse are nurtured. This results in a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and the engagement of all types of learners. 

The science curriculum empowers inquiry, cultivates imagination, provides a context for inventing and sparks creativity in all students through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The curriculum provides opportunities for exploration through real word experiences that prepare students to powerfully contribute to the world around them and become well-informed global citizens.

Students in grades 6-8 explore the three branches of science: Earth, Life and Physical. The goal of middle science curriculum is to produce students who have gained sufficient knowledge of the practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, to be critical consumers of scientific information related to their everyday lives, and to continue to learn about science throughout their lives. Students will come to appreciate that science and the current scientific understanding of the world are the result of many hundreds of years of creative human endeavor.  

Technology

Farnsley Middle School was chosen by the Kentucky Teaching and Learning Technology Conference as a showcase school for technology. Farnsley's Student Technology Leadership Program has maintained its Gold status from the state of Kentucky for the past eight years. Students learn the basic skills and ethical and legal issues related to technology. Farnsley Middle School has five computer labs where the students use the following technology: eReaders, Internet-based coursework, Web design, student e-mail, Bridge Builder (used by the United States Military Academy at West Point), graphic design, digital video editing, broadcasting, and innovative projects. Students learn business technology skills to gather and analyze data, to write reports, and send documents to their teachers. Farnsley also has the Technology Integration Program, in which every teacher has a chromebook and a projector with access to iPads for each student as needed. Components of technology are woven into all areas of curriculum.

Middle School Explore Pathways

Academies of Louisville (AOL)  is a research based, high school design modeled after Ford NGL and National Career Academy Standards of Practice.  As of May 2020, fifteen (15) JCPS high schools are included in the Academies of Louisville with tens of thousands of students participating.  Based on the success of the Academies of Louisville, JCPS is extending the AOL model to Exploration Pathways for middle school students in grades 6-8.

Middle School Explore Pathways create learning environments that support appropriate academic, social, and emotional development for students in the middle grades (6th-8th grade), as outlined by the Association for Middle Level Education.  Sixth grade students have an opportunity to explore pathways before deciding on an Explore Pathway to immerse themselves in for 7th and 8th grade.  All students are assigned to a team that collaboratively supports the Explore Pathway experience.

Robotics

Students have the opportunity to bring their mathematics and science skills to real life as they design, build, and program robots to complete complicated tasks. Students also utilize mainstream software, such as JAVA. Our Robotics program offers a variety of different types of robots and platforms from VEX, Spheros, and iRobot, and the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) won 2nd place at the state level in coding in 2021.  

Through our partnership with ASRC, students are able to take field trips to their production plant and see how robotics is used in real-world operations. This partnership also provides engineers from ASRC to judge our student robotics competition.

Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS)

The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) program was designed to support teachers as they increase the use of mobile technology in today’s classrooms in ways that align with the ISTE Standards, the country’s most commonly-used technology standards describing digital-age learning experiences. In supporting effective classroom integration of mobile technology, the program also works towards increasing student interest and improve student performance in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program partners with administrators and teachers in schools across the U.S., and provides them with a comprehensive two-year sequence of onsite and online professional development focused on leveraging mobile technology for teaching and learning. In addition, the grant also provides devices and mobile access to all students and educators in the school building.

Important Dates

MST Application Dates--November 6,  2023 Through December 22, 2023

Come Visit at the MST Open House

October 26, 2023 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Click here to Apply from Nov 6, 2023 to Dec 22, 2023

Criteria for Magnet Application

Academic/Behavior Record—Grade point average of 3.2 or higher as well as above-average behavior over the past two years

Standardized Test Results—Above-average test scores on the Kentucky Performance Rating for Educational Progress (K-PREP) during the last two years. Test scores for non-Kentucky or private schools can include the California Test of Basic Skills, Terra Nova, Stanford Test of Academic Skills, etc.

Attendance Record—An attendance record of 96 percent or higher over the past two years