STEM Magnet Academy


STEM Magnet Academy is located in the Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois STEM Magnet Academy serves grades K-8 with a curriculum that focuses on science, technology, engineering and math, along with a strong art component. The school is part of the Chicago Public Schools, CPS, system.

Admissions

STEM Magnet Academy is a magnet school that serves students from around the city. Applicants are admitted through a computerized lottery. However, those with a sibling who will remain for the next school year are automatically admitted. After siblings are accounted for, 40% of students living within a 1.5-mile radius are offered admission. The remaining seats are distributed among the four socioeconomic tiers. Those not offered a seat are provided with a waitlist number.

Curriculum

The school's STEM curriculum is implemented through the use of cutting-edge technology and an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. In addition to its core science, technology, engineering, and math component, literacy, art, music, and physical education classes are also a strong integral part of the curriculum.

History

STEM Magnet Academy occupies the same facility which once housed Jefferson Elementary School. After extensive renovation, the building re-opened its doors in August, 2011. As the first elementary school of its type in Illinois, it aims to provide a blueprint for other future STEM programs in the city of Chicago.
The school was also a pioneer in implementing the longer school day, an educational reform initiative launched by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. is the current principal. STEM Magnet Academy has had problems with high teacher turnover. In summer of 2015, seven of STEM's twenty-three full time teachers, including the science and engineering teachers, resigned.
STEM's first was formed in 2014.