Class of 2030 Information Night by MJ Sheehan

Teacher Recommendations

2025-09-11 16:55:59 UTC

Are we allowed to get a teacher recommendation from our 7th-grade teachers?

2025-09-12 18:19:35 UTC

What is the average class size?

2025-09-15 17:40:18 UTC

What type of theater productions occur at STEM? Are students permitted to audition for productions at their home school as well?

3rd Essay in Person

2025-09-15 22:28:51 UTC

How long will we have to finish the in-school essay?

Session Recording

2025-09-17 13:47:25 UTC

Will a recording of the live stream be available for future reference, in case parents are unable to join the session in real time?

STEM Athletics

2025-09-19 21:32:48 UTC

Does STEM provide athletics, or do we have to attend East/West athletics?

Essays

2025-09-20 20:04:38 UTC

Where can we find the essays when they are published?

For students coming from Private school, how do you determine Foreign Language proficiency?

2025-09-22 00:59:59 UTC

Recommendations

2025-09-23 00:15:47 UTC

Does the recommendation have to be from a core teacher, or can it be from encore teachers like art or health, too? Also, how does it work - do we simply ask a teacher to fill out a recommendation, and they already have a form?

Teacher Recommendations

2025-09-23 01:35:24 UTC

Can the recommendation letter come from teachers of any subject, including arts and languages?

Teacher Recommendation

2025-09-23 03:49:27 UTC

Can the students ask more than one teacher for a recommendation letter?

Does STEM have a student literary magazine, a school newspaper?

2025-09-23 11:31:42 UTC

We do have a literary magazine/newspaper club.

Pathways

2025-09-23 18:21:35 UTC

Which of the career pathways is most popular and least popular? Are there limits as to the number of students who can pursue each pathway?

For the Class of 2031, from which date should we reside in the Downingtown School District? Do we need to be in the Downingtown district to apply and for essay submission? Is it compulsory to attend middle school in the Downingtown School District at the time of application?

2025-09-23 22:13:55 UTC

As of now, applicants for the Class of 2031 should reside in downingtown by the end of 2026. Students do not need to attend one of our middle schools to apply.

Essay format/content

2025-09-24 01:34:20 UTC

Is there a specific essay format expectations? What is the criteria for the scoring the essay-both online and in person?

presentation

avijaykuma02 — 2025-09-24 14:04:00 UTC

Where can I find the presentation

Moving back to Downingtown High School East/West

2025-09-24 18:55:46 UTC

If the student is selected to start 9th grade at STEM and during the course of their first year with STEM they decide to go back to Downingtown High East/West, are they allowed to?

Teacher recommendation deadline

2025-09-24 20:49:20 UTC

What is the deadline for teacher recommendation? Will the teachers submit it directly to stem academy or will the students get it from the teacher and then submit it

Grades impact on admission

2025-09-24 21:25:47 UTC

Based on the points system, it sounds as though if students meet the minimum GPA requirement their grades have no impact on the selection process thereafter. In other words, if a student has a 2.5 GPA and another has a 4.0 and the 2.5 gps student writes better essays they would be accepted into STEM over the 4.0 gpa student. Is that understanding correct?

Teacher Recommendation

2025-09-24 21:54:44 UTC

If I am new student joining 8th grade in this school district, can I get a recommendation from my old school district.

2025-09-24 21:54:53 UTC

Should the teacher recommendation be obtained from core subjects or can it be from encore teachers like music, arts etc?

Are 7th graders eligible to apply for the STEM program?

2025-09-24 22:30:22 UTC

2025-09-24 22:32:09 UTC

If my child is currently taking. Higher level courses then offered at middle school (pre-calculus) what will be their math placement if accepted at STEM

2025-09-24 22:34:22 UTC

Can student take AP courses at STEM

Topic

2025-09-24 22:35:57 UTC

will we find out the topics for the at home essays today?

- [ ] Do colleges accept IB courses as credits like they do for AP courses

2025-09-24 22:37:40 UTC

What are the top 5 universities that 2025 STEM graduates selected?

2025-09-24 22:38:16 UTC

On average, how many graduates attend Ivy League universities?

2025-09-24 22:44:08 UTC

What is the difference between Ap and IB? What are the tradeoffs ?

2025-09-24 22:50:36 UTC

Can students opt for other electives if they are already in marching band?

9th Grade Electives

2025-09-24 22:51:38 UTC

How many electives can we take in total in 9th Grade?

9th Grade Math

2025-09-24 22:52:45 UTC

What happens if the student is in Algebra 2 in 8th Grade?

2025-09-24 22:52:53 UTC

If the kid has already completed pre calculus in 8th grade do they have opportunity to take more advanced math for the next 4yrs at STEM

2025-09-24 22:53:30 UTC

Will we be able to download all of these questions? There is a lot of good info here, but I’m also trying to keep listening so curious if we can download them. Or will they be shared?

2025-09-24 22:53:55 UTC

Can kids take college courses in stem

Can they take robotics , orchestra and band in the given year

2025-09-24 22:54:54 UTC

Essay

2025-09-24 23:01:34 UTC

Is there a word count for the essays?

Recommendation Form

2025-09-24 23:02:09 UTC

Can my son get recommendation form from an encore teacher?

2025-09-24 23:02:50 UTC

when will the topics for the home essays be shared?

Students drop out rate

2025-09-24 23:03:12 UTC

Can you please share what is the percentage of students who drop out and go to East/West?

Is there any chance of a 9th grade student in Downingtown East to apply for STEM?

2025-09-24 23:03:52 UTC

Out of all the applications how many gets rejected

2025-09-24 23:04:03 UTC

2025-09-24 23:04:09 UTC

What is the deadline for the online essay

Field of work

2025-09-24 23:04:16 UTC

Is STEM a good school to attend if my child is planning on going into the medical field?

Teacher Recommendation

2025-09-24 23:04:51 UTC

Does the teacher's recommendations have to be from a core subject or can it be from a non-graded class?

Would a gifted case manager be an appropriate person to ask for a teacher recommendation?

2025-09-24 23:05:06 UTC

2025-09-24 23:05:17 UTC

Does the online essay have a time limit and finish in one sitting?

2025-09-24 23:05:26 UTC

How essays are evaluated?

Work

2025-09-24 23:06:03 UTC

Is there any classes or courses do help for a Law degree?

What are characteristics that you look for?

2025-09-24 23:06:17 UTC

Can I apply if i have just moved here from Canada this July. I am at TE middle school. *Grade 8

IEP Accommodations

2025-09-24 23:06:21 UTC

Do you provide IEP accommodations for the application process? (e.g. if have writing related SDIs)

Student's interest

2025-09-24 23:06:34 UTC

If the student is only interested in Music as a career then is it a right place to him/her?

What % of students do not accept and waitlisted candidates get in

2025-09-24 23:06:47 UTC

does your place in the waitlist depend on how do you do on your essays?

2025-09-24 23:07:03 UTC

Out of state in 6th and 7th - grades

2025-09-24 23:07:04 UTC

If the student attended out of state middle school and transferred here in the 8th grade, how do you obtain their 6th and 7th grades? Do I need to do anything as a parent regarding this?

2025-09-24 23:07:12 UTC

Where to find the rubric for the two online essay.

2025-09-24 23:07:15 UTC

What is the way to ask if there any follow up questions after today’s meet

How do athletics work?

2025-09-24 23:07:33 UTC

if I do Alg 2 in 8th and geo in the summer what do I do for math in 9th grade if I get accepted.

2025-09-24 23:07:38 UTC

My son was not in the district in 6th grade. The applications says that my son needs c average in 6,7, and 8th grade. What should we do?

2025-09-24 23:07:41 UTC

Grades

2025-09-24 23:07:43 UTC

Do you only look at singular subject grades or average them all up?

theater productions

2025-09-24 23:07:52 UTC

Does STEM do their own production or partner with East/West?

Rubric

jjenkins01_1 — 2025-09-24 23:08:05 UTC

I know it's online, but where can I find the rubric and format for the essay? Where Online?

shanu020406 — 2025-09-24 23:08:06 UTC

I am in 8th grade math do I have to be in algebra 1 to qualify for stem

2025-09-24 23:08:27 UTC

Are there any finance courses?

How do you rank those on the waiting list that have the same scores?

2025-09-24 23:08:35 UTC

2025-09-24 23:08:57 UTC

If child has time and a half per IEP, do they have it with the essay

Teacher recommendation plays a n important role in the selection, so how do I select my teacher and what if they don't put in their full efforts in filling out the form. Is the form a multiple choice or questions and answers or write about the student's strengths and weaknesses

2025-09-24 23:09:09 UTC

Handwriting

2025-09-24 23:09:15 UTC

Will handwriting affect the essay grading?

What’s the process for completing the in school essay?

2025-09-24 23:09:17 UTC

2025-09-24 23:09:27 UTC

How does STEM Academy support students who may struggle in math or science so they don’t fall behind?

Acceptance Rate

2025-09-24 23:09:28 UTC

When will we get to know if we got accepted or not?

If my child has a 504 allowing for test taking accommodations (i.e. Ability to test in a different room) how would they use them for the in-school essay?

2025-09-24 23:09:53 UTC

Application Tie breakers

2025-09-24 23:09:53 UTC

Do you ever run into a situation where you have to invoke a tie-breaker on the application because some applications have the same score? If so, what is your approach?

2025-09-24 23:10:15 UTC

Does students get any support/counseling for courses or college selection/guidance?

What is the difference between AP courses offered by STEM and East/West high school? How does it benefit in college admissions

2025-09-24 23:10:34 UTC

2025-09-24 23:10:55 UTC

Can you play sports from stem for west in any season

Can I ask my homeroom teacher for a teacher recommendation

2025-09-24 23:11:06 UTC

Can I ask my homeroom teacher for a teacher recommendation to get the points?

What if you don't understand the essay topic?

2025-09-24 23:11:24 UTC

2025-09-24 23:11:34 UTC

Is there a limit to the amount of boys and the same with girls?

2025-09-24 23:11:51 UTC

How is stem curriculum different than East high school ?

2025-09-24 23:12:01 UTC

Are there international universities that students go to after graduation?

Results

2025-09-24 23:12:13 UTC

When do we know if the student has gotten admitted or not?

2025-09-24 23:12:35 UTC

Would it be okay to spend more than 90 minutes on the in-school essay?

Is the in person essay handwritten or computer typed?

2025-09-24 23:13:37 UTC

2025-09-24 23:13:42 UTC

We will be traveling during the 3rd essay dates. Are there any make up dates?

Dyslexia

esteines2 — 2025-09-24 23:14:09 UTC

My son has dyslexia and a writing tutor. Is the tutor allowed to help him with the at home essays?

2025-09-24 23:14:12 UTC

What is the format for the essays?

If you want to join a club from East but are in the STEM academy, could you still join the club from East?

2025-09-24 23:14:18 UTC

College acceptance

2025-09-24 23:14:22 UTC

Do most elite colleges accept the IB curriculam?

School Soccer Team

2025-09-24 23:14:24 UTC

Is there a STEM soccer team or school team

If I do algebra 1 in 8th grade and geometry over the summer, why do I take as a freshman

2025-09-24 23:14:38 UTC

Grades

2025-09-24 23:14:49 UTC

I was in another country for 6th and 7th grade. Can i still be admitted

What are the scenarios when waitlisted applicants get accepted? Can a waitlisted applicant get accepted in the middle of 9th grade?

2025-09-24 23:14:51 UTC

College Pefer

2025-09-24 23:14:54 UTC

do most colleges pefer IB or AP?

what is math analysis

2025-09-24 23:14:59 UTC

Letter of recommendation

2025-09-24 23:15:26 UTC

When it comes to the letter of recommendation, is the teacher filling out specific questions or are they writing in a more free flowing manner where having a good writer makes a difference?

Data on STEM vs Non STEM

2025-09-24 23:15:27 UTC

Is there data on how many students took STEM as a career post school graduation by going to STEM Academy vs going to regular High School?.

How do I take geometry over the summer before 9th grade

2025-09-24 23:15:40 UTC

Are there finals in 12 grade

2025-09-24 23:15:41 UTC

2025-09-24 23:15:49 UTC

What are the art programs in STEM?

Do we have sample topics for the essay.?Is there merit scores for colleges?

2025-09-24 23:15:57 UTC

2025-09-24 23:16:25 UTC

Where do we find the format for the essays online?

Skip Grades

2025-09-24 23:16:31 UTC

Can you skip grades in STEM

avijaykuma02 — 2025-09-24 23:16:36 UTC

Where can I find the prompts for the two written essays

Why is the application based only on essays not math history or science

2025-09-24 23:16:50 UTC

How hard would the essays be, on a scale of 1-10?

2025-09-24 23:16:53 UTC

2025-09-24 23:17:02 UTC

where can we find the application form?

For the essays to be written at home, whether the prompts would be given or student can write any 2 essays?

2025-09-24 23:17:04 UTC

teacher recommendation

jjenkins01_1 — 2025-09-24 23:17:09 UTC

Is this required?

Application

2025-09-24 23:17:20 UTC

What time does the application open?

2025-09-24 23:17:58 UTC

Is there any Bio technology courses?

Does it have to be hand written in school essay

2025-09-24 23:18:05 UTC

Is there a math counts club or a support club so students can be on track and up to date?

2025-09-24 23:18:33 UTC

School life

2025-09-24 23:18:45 UTC

Will Kids have time for family and Sports? will they be too into academics and stressed?

2025-09-24 23:18:54 UTC

What is the expected amount of homework each night?

last date

2025-09-24 23:19:03 UTC

Is there any last date to submit application or register?

avijaykuma02 — 2025-09-24 23:19:15 UTC

Do you think STEM will fully prepare me for college

Online essays

2025-09-24 23:19:34 UTC

How do you ensure the online essays are the student’s own work, not a parent or AI?

Is the grading style the same as in middle school

2025-09-24 23:19:35 UTC

Application & Essay timeline?

2025-09-24 23:19:45 UTC

Does the application can be submitted only when the essays are ready?

I am in Algebra 2 in grade 8 and should I take geometry during the summer or will I be assigned geometry in my 9 th grade?

2025-09-24 23:19:55 UTC

Teams

2025-09-24 23:19:59 UTC

How do the teams work? How are the kids distributed between the teams?

So- just to be clear, STEM does not offer AP courses, correct?

2025-09-24 23:20:28 UTC

Video

2025-09-24 23:20:38 UTC

Is it possible to watch this video at a later time?

2025-09-24 23:21:07 UTC

I have twins applying. If one scores high and the other is on the bubble - would you split the kids?

Dual Enrollment

2025-09-24 23:21:11 UTC

How does dual enrollment work and what does it help with in college?

bilingual IB

2025-09-24 23:21:36 UTC

Does STEM accomodate the bilingual IB? Ie can the student take classes in a foreign language (besides language classes)

What happen if a student has A or B in all core subjects in 6 and 7th grade but less then C in just one core subject

2025-09-24 23:21:49 UTC

2025-09-24 23:22:13 UTC

Will we see our point score once everyone has been told whether they have got in or not.

STEM percentage of college grads

2025-09-24 23:22:36 UTC

how many percentage of STEM students are likely to complete college degree?

2025-09-24 23:23:34 UTC

For a career in engineering, would you recommend STEM or the other high schools?

If you want to play a sport for West, but you're East, then could you still play for West if you're in the STEM Academy?

2025-09-24 23:24:20 UTC

2025-09-24 23:25:18 UTC

Is it the same amount of people accepted from East and from West?

where is the application like where do i find it?

2025-09-24 23:25:25 UTC

2025-09-24 23:25:26 UTC

Does LMS have more students applying than DMS?

Do points get taken off for the more longer time taken than the limit given of time on the essay?

2025-09-24 23:25:48 UTC

How important are grammar and spelling for the in-person essays?

2025-09-24 23:26:14 UTC

At home parent help

2025-09-24 23:27:09 UTC

Is it obvious when a parent helped a student write their at home essay and are they penalized if it’s evident that the did?

jondeck01 — 2025-09-24 23:27:15 UTC

Would MIT value AP classes or IB classes more?

Selection letter

2025-09-24 23:27:21 UTC

May be a silly question, if mail doesn’t arrive or missed the letter by any chance is there a way to check the results online?

iMedia curriculum

2025-09-24 23:28:31 UTC

Could you please elaborate on the iMedia curriculum content?

Can students on the wait-list attend the shadow day?

2025-09-24 23:28:50 UTC

We are currently not in the district. Where do we write the in-school essay?

2025-09-24 23:28:54 UTC

How many people are admitted into STEM?

2025-09-24 23:29:30 UTC

If we take Algebra 2 in 8th grade do we have to take Geometry over the summer

2025-09-24 23:30:13 UTC

Waitlist

2025-09-24 23:30:18 UTC

If you are a waitlisted student are there also opportunities to learn more about the school so if you are pulled up, you know that you want to say yes or no?

Which comes first Algebra 2 or geometry

2025-09-24 23:31:48 UTC

2025-09-24 23:31:50 UTC

Is there a lot of homework? How long on the average does it take a night?

Does STEM offer scholarships or funding for colleges?

2025-09-24 23:31:51 UTC

Is there deca, tsa, and all other clubs at stem

2025-09-24 23:32:21 UTC

How do I know my peers didn’t use AI to write their essays or have their parent(s) write it for them?

2025-09-24 23:33:12 UTC

non-IB option

2025-09-24 23:33:34 UTC

Can you please explain/compare the non-IB options at STEM. If a student opts not to get the IB diploma, do they still take the IB tests in Spring of 12th grade?

2025-09-24 23:33:48 UTC

Do more people from LMS apply than people from DMS?

2025-09-24 23:33:49 UTC

Can you please share who grades the online and in person essays?

Do parents fill the application or kids?

2025-09-24 23:34:05 UTC

IB Diploma

2025-09-24 23:34:23 UTC

Do all the kids receive IB Diploma even though they do not get the required points? I heard that IB Diploma is required to graduate from STEM.

2025-09-24 23:34:28 UTC

Do the teachers in STEM have just teaching experience or with industry experience?

Essay preparation/study

2025-09-24 23:34:36 UTC

How do I prepare/study for the essay?

Does Stem only care about t he Essays when pick people for Stem?

2025-09-24 23:34:43 UTC

Ex: Knowledge, Hardworking, Behavior?

Diverse enviroment

2025-09-24 23:34:49 UTC

How diverse is the STEM in terms of kids nationalities ?

How will our schedule look and is it letter days

2025-09-24 23:35:01 UTC

do the essays written at home have to be handwritten or can they be typed?

2025-09-24 23:35:14 UTC

2025-09-24 23:35:15 UTC

What if student taking pre-calcus in 8 grade what will be their placement in 9grade

If a teacher doesn’t respond with recommendation prior to application due date, would you follow up with the teacher or the student be informed to reach out to the teacher?

2025-09-24 23:35:19 UTC

Clubs

2025-09-24 23:36:08 UTC

Can kids create clubs?

Will you provide a plan for kids shooting for Ivy Leagues

2025-09-24 23:36:35 UTC

STEM ESSAYS

2025-09-24 23:37:09 UTC

Is there one teacher, that grades all the essays for a certain student, or is there more than one teacher that grades each essay? If yes, what happens if one teacher gives the student a certain score and the other teacher gives the student another score.

2025-09-24 23:37:16 UTC

Is there a focus on interdisciplinary learning—like combining computer science with biology or engineering with design?

Author

2025-09-24 23:37:20 UTC

Is STEM a good option for a student who wants to be an author?

Clubs

2025-09-24 23:37:38 UTC

Does the school still have HOSA, DECA, and TSA clubs? I heard they are stopping the clubs soon.

Math

2025-09-24 23:38:32 UTC

can you accelrate your math placement in STEM for example instead of taking algebra 2 in 9th grade you take geometry?

Is there going to be teams in STEM like A B C and D like middle school?

2025-09-24 23:39:38 UTC

Essay needs to be submitted along with the application?

2025-09-24 23:40:19 UTC

If I am in Algebra 2 in grade 8 , will I be assigned Geometry in grade 9?

2025-09-24 23:40:24 UTC

Clubs

2025-09-24 23:40:36 UTC

Does stem still have HOSA, DECA, and TSA clubs?

Courses

2025-09-24 23:40:53 UTC

Is there any IB courses in Downingtown West?

Ib diploma

2025-09-24 23:40:54 UTC

What is the benefit of getting a ib diploma?

Math Proof

2025-09-24 23:41:08 UTC

How do we prove that we took geometry during the summer is there a test or anything like that?

Students Thoughts

2025-09-24 23:41:40 UTC

What’s something students often wish they knew before joining the program?

Grades

swatisotalu — 2025-09-24 23:42:28 UTC

When looking at grades, will you look at percentage, letter grades, or average it out?

Does a AP course give higher college credits or IB course.

mahathilearns — 2025-09-24 23:42:53 UTC

Is there an exam available for world language credit?

2025-09-24 23:43:19 UTC

Is there a breakdown / distribution by field of study and colleges kids go to?

2025-09-24 23:43:58 UTC

How many people have come here through the Finance field?

2025-09-24 23:44:59 UTC

Do you have any course that is equal to comp science ap course

2025-09-24 23:45:30 UTC

Essay

2025-09-24 23:49:29 UTC

Home essay they get time but school essay is time bound hand written., so home essay may be polished than school essay, is that a fair understanding?

Clubs

2025-09-24 23:49:46 UTC

Do they still have HOSA at stem?

Are there any Study Abroad Programs for people who want to go out of the country?

2025-09-24 23:49:53 UTC

IB

2025-09-24 23:51:17 UTC

can you get the IB certificate without going to STEM and using private tutors

Grading

2025-09-24 23:56:10 UTC

Does east and west kids are graded or evaluated separately or combined grading ?

2025-09-24 23:56:16 UTC

In future does curriculum include AI courses by any chance?

Is there any preparation the kid can do for the application process including the tests ?

2025-09-24 23:56:55 UTC

Student help

2025-09-24 23:57:00 UTC

What happens when a student selected in the STEM finds it difficult to cope up and is unable to do well, will they get help and coached or allowed to drop out to join East or West HS?

2025-09-24 23:57:44 UTC

Is there any common regret of coming to STEM?

Essay

2025-09-24 23:57:57 UTC

Do the essays need to be in MLA format?

Essay

fsameer02 — 2025-09-24 23:58:42 UTC

Where do we submit the online essay?

Is there career path counseling if the student does not have a subject of interest currently?

2025-09-24 23:59:20 UTC

Math Competitions

2025-09-24 23:59:59 UTC

Will STEM be hosting math contests like AMC 10/12 this year?

Is it easier to get a better GPA at stem or east. What affect does it have?

2025-09-25 00:00:03 UTC

If a sibling went would you get some sort of benefit

2025-09-25 00:01:05 UTC

How do you test out of math classes

2025-09-25 00:01:25 UTC

Can u apply for the gifted program again?

2025-09-25 00:02:08 UTC

2025-09-25 00:02:24 UTC

Can I get a recommendation from a Gifted Teacher?

Can we use AI to help with grammer in our essays?

2025-09-25 00:03:04 UTC

future citys

2025-09-25 00:03:44 UTC

does stem have a Future City Club

2025-09-25 00:03:44 UTC

How hard is it to form a new club?

2025-09-25 00:04:56 UTC

If students are allowed to drop out of STEM after a year, can the same number be accepted from West/East?

2025-09-25 00:07:17 UTC

Does STEM have NHS?

2025-09-25 00:07:33 UTC

Does the kid have to be a DASD student as of 01 Jan 2025 or would the parent being a resident of Downingtown as of Jan 2025 fulfill the resident eligibility?

Is it hard to score 42

2025-09-25 00:07:36 UTC

quiz bowl

2025-09-25 00:07:44 UTC

does stem have a quiz bowl or academic team

2025-09-25 00:07:54 UTC

Does STEM look at the grades as a factor in acceptance, or do they just make sure it meets the minimum criteria?

teacher recommendation

2025-09-25 00:31:03 UTC

Can you get recommended by a now-retired teacher, or do they still have to be teaching?

Selection

2025-09-25 20:30:00 UTC

Can a 9th grader be selected into stem?

question regarding form

2025-09-26 02:05:20 UTC

i have not attened a dasd elementry school so should i just put n/a for one of the questions

How should the essay be formatted, like MLA, or something else?

2025-09-26 23:01:52 UTC

It does not have to be MLA

STEM Application

2025-09-27 17:56:04 UTC

In the STEM application it asks for the students email multiple times. Do we use a personal one, or the DASD email provided?

2025-09-27 20:05:10 UTC

For the second essay, does it have to be two paragraphs?

STEM Application

2025-10-02 02:00:39 UTC

When we open the form, should we use a personal account to fill out the form, or the DASD-provided one?

essay

2025-10-05 20:39:23 UTC

do the essays have limits on words / characters

Residential

2025-10-06 17:29:29 UTC

Can I submit my application without the proof of residency if I am not in the DASD district yet