In the GCISD STEM Academies, we are building highly skilled problem solvers that can collaborate, communicate effectively, be global citizens, and regulate their learning.

STEM Vision

STEM in GCISD provides a rigorous pathway that inspires students to problem solve, innovate, take risks, create, work collaboratively, design, communicate effectively, and take ownership of their learning by making authentic real-world connections through the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across content areas in preparation for future college and career opportunities that will empower them to envision solutions for global issues.

What is STEM?

In GCISD we define STEM -- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math--as a curricular program that integrates the concept of STEM across core content areas and electives where appropriate.  Our program has a strong emphasis on engineering and design thinking. Students use the lens of STEM by utilizing an engineering design process in all aspects of learning. As students develop the outcomes in our Portrait of a Graduate, the driving force is STEM.  The concept of technology reaches beyond instructional technology into the idea of how technology transforms and can be used to find and solve problems.  STEM is more than the sum of its parts, it is a philosophical approach that develops STEM habits of mind, aligns with LEAD 2021, and supports the GCISD STEM Vision.

Course Sequence Requirements
In compliance with our district STEM vision and definition, STEM students are placed in a cohort for the 9th and 10th grade and are required to take the courses listed below. All STEM students are also required to take a Career and Technical Education pathway for all 4 years of high school.  During students' 11th and 12th-grade year, students will not be in a cohort for their core classes, instead, they will be required to take a capstone course beginning in the 2019-2020 school year.

9th-Grade cohort classes
Pre-AP English 1, Pre-AP Chemistry, AP Human Geography, Pre-AP Algebra 2

10th-Grade cohort classes
Pre-AP English 2, AP Physics 1, AP World History, Pre-AP Geometry

11th-Grade
AP Capstone - Seminar

12th-Grade 
AP Capstone - Research

Click the STEM logo to learn more about our district K-12 STEM program.