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.

• Interested in learning in a nontraditional educational environment.

• There will be 100 learners accepted for their 6th grade year. These learners will continue enrollment during their 7th and 8th grade years.

• The Jerry Knight STEM Academy will follow the MISD middle school arrival and dismissal times.

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. 

The application asks your learner open ended questions, you might consider might consider having them type their 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. 

It is best that these questions be answered using your learner's voice and tone without assistance from adults or AI.

1. List any clubs or hobbies you have been involved in during the past two years.

2. List 3 characteristics that best describe you.

3. Describe a real-world problem that you think needs to be solved in the next 20 years.

4. Describe what excites you about a STEM academy in Mansfield ISD.

5. List additional information you would like the reviewers to be aware of.

STEP 1: Complete Application

• Applications are available December 15, 2025 at 9:00 am.

• Applications are available on the MISD Power of Choice website OR click the link above

• Applications will not be accepted after 4:30 pm on January 23rd. 

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 13, 2026 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 27, 2026.

• 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.