The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Honors Academic Magnet program at DFHS is an honors magnet program that accelerates and enriches learning experiences for students who are academically gifted in and have an interest in a STEM related major and career.  Students apply for the program during their 8th grade year.  Acceptance is based on their standardized test scores, middle school teachers’ recommendations, current academic performance, and interest in STEM related fields.  Since 2005, our program has been a local answer to the national STEM initiative.  Presently, there are over 275 students in the program from the ninth through the twelfth grades. 

The STEM program is designed to cultivate a high-level learning community that extends far beyond the traditional classroom. By accelerating the standard curriculum, students gain the flexibility to pursue advanced STEM-related coursework—including AP, Honors, and specialized research—while developing deep literacy across technical disciplines. This approach prioritizes inquiry-style learning and provides unique opportunities, such as professional internships, tailored to each student's individual interests and abilities. Ultimately, this rigorous integration of STEM principles ensures that graduates are exceptionally well-qualified for admission into the world’s most competitive university programs, earning them a formal STEM designation to bolster their college and scholarship applications.

Key Program Pillars

• Curriculum Acceleration: Streamlined core requirements to make room for advanced electives.

• Inquiry-Based Learning: A shift from rote memorization to active, question-driven exploration.

• Real-World Integration: Internships and community partnerships that bridge the gap between school and career.