Academy Overview

The Jerry Knight STEM Academy is an advanced academic program located at Wester Middle School.  The academy is designed to provide a rigorous and focused course of study emphasizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).  Coursework is advanced and integrates project/problem-based learning and Makerspaces with open learning environments.  The learning environment at the academy gives learners “voice and choice” to create, invent, tinker, and explore with the result being high quality and authentic products.  

Application Considerations

When deciding to apply for the Jerry Knight STEM Academy, families should consider the unique learning environment at the academy.  Applicants should be:

• Current 5th graders interested in hands on learning that allows them to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  

• Inquisitive and excited about learning in a collaborative environment.

• Interested in learning with enhanced technology availability.

• Meeting or exceeding learner target measures (see next section).

• Interested in developing 21st century skills; including, communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, character, and citizenship.

• Receiving satisfactory citizenship grades for the current school year.

Learner Target Measures

A learner profile will assist in the identification of learners that have the potential to be successful at the Jerry Knight STEM Academy.  A learner meeting or exceeding the target measures below will have a higher probability of success at the Jerry Knight STEM Academy.  Applications meeting the highest levels of the target measures will be reviewed first based on the pool of applicants.

• Achievement Data:

  • 5th grade Math - 90 or higher

  • 5th grade Science – 90 or higher

  • 5th grade MOY MAP Science – 85 Percentile or higher

  • 5th grade MOY MAP Math – 85 Percentile or higher

  • 5th grade MOY MAP Reading – 85 Percentile or higher

Once you have read and understand the admission criteria, click the link below to submit your application. 

You might consider typing essay answers in a word processing program prior to beginning the online application. You will be able to copy and paste answers from a word processing program into the online form- especially if you will be completing more than one application. 

If you would like to view the application before opening the application submission form, view the preview application link below. 

Paper applications  must be submitted to: 

MISD Student Service Office

609 East Broad Street, 

Mansfield, Texas 76063

817-299-6360

STEP 1: Complete Application

• Applications are available December 16, 2024 at 9:00 am.

• Applications are available on the MISD Power of Choice website OR you can print the previewed application and complete it by hand.

• Applications must be submitted online or to the MISD Student Service office located at 609 East Broad Street by January 24, 2025 at 4:30 pm.  Applications will not be accepted after 4:30 pm on January 24th. 

STEP 2:  Application Review 

• After a completed application is submitted, the application will be reviewed based on target measures that will include information gathered from:

  • 5th grade Math 

  • 5th grade Science

  • 5th grade MOY MAP Science 

  • 5th grade MOY MAP Math 

  • 5th grade MOY MAP Reading 

STEP 3: Selection Process

• Up to 100 learners will be selected based on their Learner Profile.

• Learners from each intermediate school will be represented at the Jerry Knight STEM Academy.

• Please visit our FAQ on the Power of Choice webpage for additional information.

STEP 4: Notification Process

• All learners will be notified March 14, 2025 after 4:00 pm of their Jerry Knight STEM acceptance status.

• Learners not admitted will be placed on a waiting list in an order determined by the selection process.

• Admitted learners will need to reply to their Jerry Knight STEM Academy invitation by 4:30 pm on March 28, 2025.

• Learners who do not accept the invitation by the deadline will forfeit their seat at the Jerry Knight STEM Academy and that seat will be filled from the waiting list of applicants.