Is the STEM² Preparatory Academy being moved to Travis?

• Yes, this will be effective for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Will my elementary school child need to apply to attend this new school?

• No, if Travis is your child's zoned school, an application is not required.
  

Will elementary and middle school students have the same arrival and dismissal times?

• Bell Schedules will remain the same as the 2024-2025 school year.  All students may be dropped off starting at 7:15 a.m. 

  • K-5 School Day: 7:50 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

  • 6-8 School Day: 8:25 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

How will the gym and cafeteria accommodate both elementary and secondary students?

• The gym and cafeteria will be scheduled strategically to ensure both elementary and secondary students have access without overlap. Different grade levels will have designated times for physical education and meals, allowing for smooth transitions and maximizing the use of these spaces throughout the day.

Will K-8 students have uniforms or follow a dress code?

• K-8 students will not be required to wear uniforms, but they will follow the district’s implemented dress code. This dress code outlines appropriate attire to ensure a positive and respectful learning environment for all students.

How will the campus ensure that elementary-age students are separated from older students during various activities?

• The campus is uniquely divided into two pods.  The lower grade pod will have classrooms with restrooms as well as access to restrooms within their pod.  The upper grades will be located in the other pod with their own access to restrooms. Schedules will be created to assure that elementary students and middle school students have separate times for lunch and recess.  After school programs will be structured to allow separation  of students.

What is the expected student to teacher ratio?

• The teacher students ratio for elementary students will remain no larger than 22:1.  

What is the student capacity of the campus? Will portable classrooms be installed?

• The campus has the capacity to accommodate 600 students.  Portable classrooms will be installed if additional room is needed.

Currently, at what grade level does STEM become part of the curriculum? 

• Students are exposed to STEM activities beginning in kindergarten.  

What are the plans for the current STEM² Preparatory Academy campus?

• The district is currently studying how the campus will be utilized in the future.  

Will the number of armed officers increase?

• The number of armed officers will be based on the Texas Education Agency and HCISD requirements and policies. In regards to HB3, the district is to ensure that at least one armed security officer — specifically, a commissioned peace officer — is present during regular school hours at each campus.

Will additions be made to the school to accommodate all students?

• Yes, the school will have upgrades to accommodate both elementary and middle school students.

Is it optional that my child attend at the middle school level?

• Yes, if you would like your child to attend the middle school program an application must be submitted. Students will still have the option to attend their zoned middle school  campus or fill out an open enrollment form to attend  any other middle school.

Will my child’s usual curriculum change?  Will classes be more challenging?

• The curriculum will include STEM activities in different content areas. Teachers are trained and will continue to receive professional development to allow them to ensure all students are successful. 

Can I have more information on the expansion? 

• Information regarding the STEM expansion was shared via ParentSquare on February 24, 2025.

  
  

What unique opportunities does STEM² Prep offer that other middle schools do not?

• The STEM program offers unique opportunities through its rigorous curriculum, which is specifically designed to challenge and engage students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine at a deeper level. With a focus on experiential learning, students have hands-on experiences that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. Additionally, the program benefits from lower class size enrollment, allowing for more personalized instruction and closer interaction with teachers. This specialized focus on STEM opportunities provides students with a stronger foundation in these fields, preparing them for future academic and career success in a rapidly evolving world.

Will there be a graduation/commencement ceremony for 8th graders next year?

• The current practice at all middle schools is to hold promotion ceremonies at the end of the 8th grade year.  This practice will not change

What are the qualifications for students to attend STEM school?

• The K-5 component will not have any specific criteria for enrollment.  The 6-8 component will continue with an application process that considers the following: attendance, grades, behavior, and most recent state assessment results.  Once the student is admitted, an application is no longer required.

Will more parking spaces be available? What about during special events when parents need to park?

• As with most campuses, special events create “traffic” concerns.  Efforts will be made to accommodate parking for our parents during these special events.

When will I find out if my elementary school children were accepted into STEM on open enrollment?

• Beginning with the 2025-2026, open enrollment-student transfer requests are completed and submitted online.  You will receive an automated email notification once your elementary school children’s STEM open enrollment application has been approved. This email will be sent to the email address provided during the application process and will include a summary of the submitted information along with the next steps. Please be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you do not see the email in your inbox.