The school, which is set to open next fall after years of delays, will offer nine concentrations related to science, technology, engineering, arts and math. It will also allow students to participate in internships, work with professionals in their chosen fields and gain real-world experiences in class.
Here’s everything you need to know before your child applies:
WHAT DOES THE APPLICATION INVOLVE?
In order to enroll, students who currently attend SCSD schools, are children of district employees or live in the city and don’t attend public school must fill out SCSD’s high school choice and transfer application.
Students from partnering districts must fill out a separate application form.
It requires basic information, such as the student’s school history, address and identity. Applicants also must select their first and second choice for a concentration.
Once the form is submitted, students will need to participate in an interview with a committee made up of people from Onondaga County, the city of Syracuse and professionals from different industries. Students who would like to participate in the visual or performing arts will also need to submit additional materials.
Applicants' grades, attendance, disciplinary records and letters of recommendation will also be considered after they complete their initial application.
Applications close on Jan. 31. Students who live in the city of Syracuse but do not attend a public school or do not live in the city but have a parent who works for the district must register for school in the SCSD between Feb. 1 and March 14.
HOW ARE STUDENTS SELECTED?
The school’s first class will be made up of 250 students, including 60 percent from the city district and 40 percent from surrounding areas.
If there are more applications than seats available, the district will use a lottery system to select students. The STEAM interview committee will recommend students to the lottery system.
Applications close on Jan. 31. The lottery will be conducted in April and students will be notified in May about whether they’ve been accepted.
WHAT CAN STUDENTS EXPECT IN THE FALL?
The STEAM school will be located in the old Central High School building in downtown Syracuse. While renovations started earlier this year, the building may not be completed in time for opening day. If that’s the case, the district plans to use a portion of the building for classes.
Students can select one of the following concentrations: visual arts, entertainment engineering, performing arts, media technology and design, robotics automation, construction management, data analytics, business entrepreneurship and semiconductor microchip technology.
They will then be able to select a major in their concentration. Construction management, for instance, includes majors in construction engineering, systems and building design, civil engineering, green technology or fabrication lab.
The school is partnering with dozens of local and national companies, such as Apple and Micron. Students will be on flexible schedules that allow them to attend traditional classes while also visiting companies or completing internships.
The district is in the process of hiring teachers and other staff for the school, including industry professionals to help students to learn about the fields they’re interested in. This summer, the district hired former Corcoran High School principal Dan Straub.
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