Frequently Asked Questions

The MNHS STEM Academy, a “school within a school,” offers students a challenging, STEM-focused educational experience. Academy students acquire the future-ready skills necessary for success in post-secondary STEM programs. Upon graduation, students are awarded an MNHS diploma featuring a STEM Academy seal of distinction and a commencement cord. 

MNHS STEM Academy students are required to complete Design Thinking I and II (1.0 total credit). These courses, offered exclusively to STEM Academy students, emphasize employability skills and the use of design thinking to solve real-world problems. In addition, students must complete four AP courses before graduation. While students may choose their AP courses, at least three must be in mathematics, science, or computer science. Remaining elective courses are selected from the MNHS Course Selection Guide based on student interests and aptitudes. 

Students enrolled in the MNHS STEM Academy are required to complete Design Thinking I and II and four Advanced Placement courses. Three of the AP courses must be taken in the areas of computer science, mathematics, or science, while the fourth may be selected from any content area. 

There are no restrictions on extra-curricular activities for MNHS STEM Academy students.

Yes, there is a seal of distinction on a MNHS STEM Academy diploma.

MNHS STEM Academy students develop future-ready skills through STEM-focused coursework, rigorous core classes across all disciplines, and a minimum of four Advanced Placement courses in mathematics, science, and computer science. These courses serve as strong prerequisites for many post-secondary programs.

Additionally, the level of rigor completed by our STEM Academy students is reflected in our high school profile. This profile is sent with each student’s transcript to help admissions officers understand the context of their academic accomplishments. 

The Marple Newtown School District collaborates with industry partners to develop curriculum that effectively prepares students for their post-secondary goals. The College and Career Access Center, along with STEM Academy advisors, supports students in planning and pursuing their post-secondary pathways. 

Any 8th grader at Paxon Hollow Middle School or private/parochial school within the Marple Newtown School District can apply for acceptance in the MNHS STEM Academy.

Eighth grade students must complete an application, have a "B" average or better in all core courses, and secure two teacher recommendations. 

For current MNSD students: Performance on MNSD's Mathematics, Science, and English/Language Arts benchmarks and IXL diagnostic assessments will be reviewed and considered.

For both current and non-MNSD students: Performance on standardized tests (e.g. PSSA, Terra Nova) will be reviewed and considered.

Student applications are evaluated by a review committee. 

Reapplications in ninth grade will be considered on a case by case basis.

Opportunity for a ninth grade student to apply to the MNHS STEM Academy will be determined on a case by case basis.

The following website can provide information regarding the acceptance of AP credits: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement/search-policies 

Yes.  AP Capstone is a diploma distinction recognized by colleges and universities that comes from College Board.  In order to qualify for an AP Capstone diploma, students must take four (4) AP courses as well as AP Seminar and AP Research.   Minimum AP test scores of "3" are required for this distinction.  Any MNHS student can work towards AP Capstone.

Please contact Mr. Jaspersen, MNHS Assistant Principal, with questions regarding our STEM Academy at cjaspersen@mnsd.org .