FAQs

What is STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

What is the Mission of the Dayton Regional STEM School?

"To prepare students with the skills necessary to compete in the global economy while nurturing in our young people the same enthusiasm for discovery, invention and application that launched the vision for powered flight." In addition, the following Qualities are taught, practiced and assessed: Persistence, Inquiry, Communication, Creativity and Collaboration.

What makes the Dayton Regional STEM School different?

At the Dayton Regional STEM School, a STEM education means that students, parents, teachers and partners are engaged in relevant, rigorous and relationship-based educational experiences. Students participate in project-based curriculum that integrates the traditional STEM content areas with social studies, language arts and the fine arts -- the School's foreign language offering is Chinese. The curriculum is directly connected to the real world of work being done by the scientists, engineers, strategists, planners, innovators and entrepreneurs throughout the Dayton region.

Who can attend the Dayton Regional STEM School?

The Dayton Regional STEM School serves students primarily from Clark, Greene and Montgomery counties -- which includes 30 school districts. The School currently has 8th, 9th and 10th grade students, and will grow-out by a grade in the following two years ultimately serving grade 6-12 students in Fall 2012.

How do students apply for the Dayton Regional STEM School?

The Dayton Regional STEM School has a two-part application process. The first part is completed on-line via the School's website. Once you submit the on-line portion, you will receive an acknowledgement along with a pdf file with the remaining application materials. The application deadline for first consideration for Fall 2011 students is April 1, 2011. The new application will be active on the website in December 2010.

How are students chosen for the Dayton Regional STEM School? Do students have to be gifted and/or high-achieving to get in?

Students must be a resident of either Clark, Greene or Montgomery counties, and have successfully completed their previous grade's work. The Dayton Regional STEM School does not use prior academic achievement or aptitude as a criteria for admission. Students with fully completed applications will be placed into a lottery which takes place in April 2011 -- the lottery is weighted to reflect the geographic demographics of the three county region served.

How much is tuition for the Dayton Regional STEM School?

Since the Dayton Regional STEM School is a public school, there is no tuition cost. There is a "technology fee" charged each year associated with the students' use of computer equipment and supplies.

Are Dayton Regional STEM School students able to participate in extracurricular activities?

Tutoring is available to students after school, and a number of social and special-interest activities may be provided depending upon student interest. In addition, Dayton Regional STEM School students are eligible to participate in any of the extracurricular activities at their home school districts, including sports.

How are students transported to the Dayton Regional STEM School?

The Dayton Regional STEM School does not have its own buses. Home school districts may provide bus transportation, or payments in lieu of. Students may also get to and from school via Greater Dayton RTA, Greene CATS, or by car/carpooling. The Dayton Regional STEM School can work with parents to help arrange transportation.

Are there other STEM schools?

The Dayton Regional STEM School is one of 10 STEM schools being created throughout Ohio. More information about other STEM schools in Ohio can be obtained from the Ohio STEM Learning Network.

What is the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN)?

The Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) is an unprecedented collaborative aimed at building and connecting STEM teaching and learning capacity in regions across the State of Ohio. At its core, the OSLN is focused on student and teacher success, built from a slate of committed partners from Pre-K-12 education, higher education, and business and industry. Designed from a systems engineering approach, the OSLN helps to develop and connect a state-wide system of innovative STEM schools and Programs of Excellence, leveraging the ongoing work of regions across the state, along with a $12 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and an initial $2.8 million investment from Battelle. Visit www.osln.org for more information.

When did the Dayton Regional STEM School start?

The Dayton Regional STEM School opened with its first class of 9th graders on August 17, 2009. Its current student body includes approximately: 50 eighth-graders; 75 ninth-graders and 75 tenth-graders.