Opinions on STEM Academy at Nimitz, or other recommendations for STEM programs? (San Antonio: fit in, home)

[SherryM78218]

Hello everyone. I'm hoping to get some opinions/information on the STEM Academy at Nimitz Middle School (NEISD). My son is currently in 6th grade and I'm unhappy with his current school situation. He's very good with math, technology, robotics, etc. so am hoping to get him into a specialized program. We live in NEISD but don't live in the Nimitz boundary. However, I understand it's done on a lottery and 30% are from NEISD boundary and 70% from just Nimitz area.

I would like information from any parents whose children have attended the STEM Academy. What is your opinion? Did your child do well there? Was it all that it seems to be? What about interaction with other students at Nimitz? Did you have any issues? I guess I'm a little concerned about Nimitz - it seems to be a little rough.

Does anyone have any other recommendations for middle schools with special programs?

Thank you so much everyone for your help.

Sherry

[smuboy86]

Krueger middle school also has a tech magnet.

[SherryM78218]

Thank you SMUBoy. I've looked at the KSAT program and it seems neat but more geared towards aerospace. The STEM program at Nimitz looks great but was hoping to hear from a parent whose child is in the program or was in the program!

[zhugeliang1]

SPeaking from experience....You need to keep in mind that just because this is a magnet program that does not mean small classes with a lot of attention. Also the lottery will take anyone who makes C average in elem school, so the kids who did so so in elem school really struggle in STEM when they have to take rigorous pre AP classes. You must make 80 and over in core subjects. I have seen kids asked to return to home campus when they did not make this grade requirement. If your kid is making all As and a couple Bs in elem school and passing STAAR then he should be alright. Nimitz is a very rough school and I cringe to think about the stuff I have seen in the non STEM population, but your kid will be separate most of the day in their own classrooms. The STEM admin has changed many times in the last five years but the teachers in the STEM program are quite good and dedicated. Math and science teachers in STEM are quite good though there was a math teacher in Nimitz that wasn't really that personable. You have to totally love math and science to fit in there.

[Merovee]

Originally Posted by SherryM78218

Hello everyone. I'm hoping to get some opinions/information on the STEM Academy at Nimitz Middle School (NEISD). My son is currently in 6th grade and I'm unhappy with his current school situation. He's very good with math, technology, robotics, etc. so am hoping to get him into a specialized program. We live in NEISD but don't live in the Nimitz boundary. However, I understand it's done on a lottery and 30% are from NEISD boundary and 70% from just Nimitz area.

I would like information from any parents whose children have attended the STEM Academy. What is your opinion? Did your child do well there? Was it all that it seems to be? What about interaction with other students at Nimitz? Did you have any issues? I guess I'm a little concerned about Nimitz - it seems to be a little rough.

Does anyone have any other recommendations for middle schools with special programs?

Thank you so much everyone for your help.

Sherry

If you don't already know about it do apply for the PREP summer program. It is not what you are asking for but I think you would appreciate this. The UTSA one is really nice.

:: San Antonio PREP ::

[SherryM78218]

Originally Posted by zhugeliang1

SPeaking from experience....You need to keep in mind that just because this is a magnet program that does not mean small classes with a lot of attention. Also the lottery will take anyone who makes C average in elem school, so the kids who did so so in elem school really struggle in STEM when they have to take rigorous pre AP classes. You must make 80 and over in core subjects. I have seen kids asked to return to home campus when they did not make this grade requirement. If your kid is making all As and a couple Bs in elem school and passing STAAR then he should be alright. Nimitz is a very rough school and I cringe to think about the stuff I have seen in the non STEM population, but your kid will be separate most of the day in their own classrooms. The STEM admin has changed many times in the last five years but the teachers in the STEM program are quite good and dedicated. Math and science teachers in STEM are quite good though there was a math teacher in Nimitz that wasn't really that personable. You have to totally love math and science to fit in there.

Thank you so much for this information - sounds like you had a child in this program? My son is currently at a Harmony charter school and it was great the first two years. This year, not so much. He loves math and science is a 4.0 student. Trying to find something that will challenge him. And he loves Robotics. I look at the boundary lines for Nimitz and it doesn't seem to be THAT bad of an area....? Or am I just delusional? LOL.

I really appreciate you taking the time to answer and give your input. Food for thought. I'm just having such a hard time trying to find something for him. Our middle school is Garner and I just don't want to send him there.

At least we have choices.

[SherryM78218]

Originally Posted by Merovee

If you don't already know about it do apply for the PREP summer program. It is not what you are asking for but I think you would appreciate this. The UTSA one is really nice.

:: San Antonio PREP ::

Thank you Merovee!! I had no idea about this program. I guess since my son goes to a charter school, he didn't receive the information on it. He would love it.

It's amazing to learn of the programs that exist in our city!

So glad I came here and posted.

[Merovee]

There are 2 days left to fill out an application for this summer's program.

[L210]

Originally Posted by SherryM78218

Thank you so much for this information - sounds like you had a child in this program? My son is currently at a Harmony charter school and it was great the first two years. This year, not so much. He loves math and science is a 4.0 student. Trying to find something that will challenge him. And he loves Robotics. I look at the boundary lines for Nimitz and it doesn't seem to be THAT bad of an area....? Or am I just delusional? LOL.

I really appreciate you taking the time to answer and give your input. Food for thought. I'm just having such a hard time trying to find something for him. Our middle school is Garner and I just don't want to send him there.

At least we have choices.

I went to Nimitz and Garner, but in the late 90s. Let's just say that Nimitz had a rougher environment.

[smuboy86]

Shame, garner is a great school. I believe one of the only schools in the county to win a national blue ribbion award in the last ten years.