Curriculum

What is STEM?       

• The educational philosophy and approach of The MASTERS Program was designed with a focus on Mathematics, Arts, Science, Technology, Engineering, Reading and Service (MASTERS). The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum will be the cornerstone of instruction.
  

• Our academic program is a blended one – combining high school level courses in the 4 core areas taught by our teachers, dual credit courses at the college taught by college teachers and on-line courses where necessary through IDEAL-NM or SFCC. 
  

• Students take Accuplacer tests at the college when they enroll, and the results of these tests determine whether they may enroll in college level classes or in TMP classes.  Often, it is a combination of both. 
  
• Students may also enroll in on-line courses through IDEAL-NM or SFCC, but it is important to note that we expect our students to be part of our community and in face to face classes.  Dual credit courses earn both high school and college credit.

        As part of the school’s emphasis on science, each student is required to participate in:

• The Sustainable Science program – the study of the preservation of the Earth’s natural resources
• The Nanoscience program – the study of materials on an atomic or molecular level, each with a laboratory component.  Students will participate once a nanoscience lab is in place.

• Students are required to incorporate service as a central part of their education at each grade level. Through this component, students consider the relationship between their curriculum in the classroom and their service and its impact on their personal values and professional goals.

• Work-related experiences, including mentorship and job shadowing, also promote our belief that students take ownership of their overall education, their school and their community as a means of enriching their own lives and those of others.

• For next year’s seniors (2011-2012), 26 credits are required for graduation.  
• We grade on a 4.0 scale and parents and students have access to grades at all times through Edline. 
• Once students and parents have set up their Edline accounts, they can log in at any time to see assignments graded and can track their progress.