Key Elements of the iSTEM Academy include:

• Cross-curricular courses with a STEM emphasis
• Workplace readiness skills and certifications
• Access to dedicated lab space, co-curricular clubs, field experiences, and guest speakers
• STEM-related extracurricular and co-curricular community activities

To earn the iSTEM Honors Medal, students must:

• Complete all required courses and maintain at least a 3.0 overall GPA
• Complete at least 3 recommended courses and an independent project through the Academy Capstone
• Complete 30 hours of participation in an approved internship or service project
• Earn 1 industry credential 

To earn the iSTEM Graduation Cords, the following requirements must be met:

• Complete all required courses and maintain at least a 2.5 overall GPA
• Complete at least 2 recommended courses and an independent project through the Academy Capstone
• Complete 20 hours of an approved internship or service project with 10 hours of participation
• Earn 1 industry credential 

To earn the iSTEM Certificate, the following requirements must be met:

• Complete all required courses and maintain at least a 2.0 overall GPA
• Complete at least 1 recommended course
• Complete a minimum of 10 cumulative hours of voluntary community service or extracurricular activities that involve the application of STEM
• Earn 1 industry credential

 

ALL iSTEM Academy students must maintain a C average 

 

Required Courses for the iSTEM Academy:

• Core Course 1:  iSTEM I Foundations 
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is essential for the development of critical thinking and encouraging innovation. iSTEM takes this a step further by incorporating multiple disciplines while challenging students to solve real-world problems and explore their world. This hands-on, project-oriented, interdisciplinary course will introduce students to engineering, programming, technical writing, research practices, and project management.
• Core Course 2:  iSTEM II
  • This course integrates the study of engineering, computer science, mathematics, and scientific principles in terrestrial and outer space environments. Students will be required to collaborate, write, and solve a host of problems skillfully and creatively. Students are expected to present their finished work in a formal setting.
• Core Course 3:  iSTEM III
  • This course integrates the study of engineering, computer science, mathematics, and scientific principles in atmospheric and aquatic environments. Students will be required to collaborate, write, and solve a host of problems skillfully and creatively. Students are expected to present their finished work in a formal setting.
• Academy Capstone
  • Students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills through completion of an independent project to be presented in a formal setting. iSTEM Capstone students are expected to mentor students in iSTEM I, II, and III classes.

Recommended Courses for the iSTEM Academy:

• Physics
• Physics I AP
• Ecology
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Marine Biology
• Environmental Science AP
• Astronomy 
• Oceanography 
• AP Seminar
• AP Research
• Technical Drawing & Design
• Engineering Drawing & Design
• Graphic Imaging Technology I
• Computer Animation & 3D Modeling
• Drafting I
• Computer Science Principles AP
• Advanced Mathematics
• Pre-Caluculus AP
• Probability & Statistics
• Statistics AP
• Calculus
• Calculus AP (AB or BC)
• Geospatial Science through JMU
• Introduction to Psychology
• Psychology AP
• Sociology