STEAM Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not answered below, please contact the STEAM Academy at (972) 708-3603
Kennemer STEAM Academy FAQ
1. What grade levels will the Kennemer STEAM Academy have?
Grades 6-8
2. Who is eligible to apply for the Kennemer STEAM Academy?
Any 5th grader in the current school year that is currently attending a Duncanville ISD school or any current 5th grader that lives within the Duncanville ISD boundaries.
3. When does the application window open and close?
The online application will open on January 4, 2021, at 8 AM and close at 11:59 PM on January 31, 2021.
4. How do I apply?
Parents/Legal Guardians of eligible students must complete an online application during the application window that opens on January 4, 2021, at 8 AM and closes at 11:59 PM on January 31, 2021.
5. Will transportation be provided?
Yes, any STEAM Academy student that lives within the Duncanville ISD boundaries and is more than 2 miles from the Kennemer STEAM Academy will receive transportation.
6. What is your selection process for the “lottery” system? Demographics? Grades? Special Needs? What are ALL the parameters?
The lottery process is open to all current 5th-grade students that currently attend a Duncanville ISD school or that lives within Duncanville ISD boundaries; there are no predetermined criteria for admission. The lottery is computerized and will select students at random. The open lottery process is in place to provide opportunities for all students.
7. If a student going into 6th grade gets into the school, will they have a spot in 7th and 8th guaranteed?
Yes. Students who are admitted will retain their spot at the STEAM school until the end of their 8th-grade year.
8. How much parent support will be required of parents at The STEAM Academy?
Parents at the STEAM school will be participating partners. Parents will be encouraged to monitor their student’s assignments, grades, and attendance; attend evening activities; stay up to date on school communications.
9. I understand the STEAM Academy will select applicants by a lottery. However, in middle school, these kids have a history in the district. Why are grades and discipline not being used as criteria?
We believe that all students can learn if given the opportunity to thrive in an environment of support. We want all students in Duncanville ISD to have the opportunity to attend the STEAM school.
10. If student selection is based completely on a lottery, not grades or test scores how will you ensure rigor and learning opportunities that differ from any other classroom that struggles to bring along students whose grades and test scores are poor?
We will ensure rigor through differentiating and integrating lessons for each student in the class.
11. If this academy is so good, then why isn’t every classroom in the district structured like the STEAM Academy?
The Kennemer STEAM Academy is just the beginning of where Duncanville ISD is headed in creating schools of choice. It will have an open lottery which gives all students the opportunity to be admitted. More choice programs will open in subsequent years.
12. What is the difference between a STEAM student and other students?
A STEAM student is one who enjoys hands-on learning and is interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
13. What if we work for the District but live outside of the Duncanville ISD boundaries and choose to send our kid(s) to Duncanville ISD are they eligible for the STEAM Student Selection Lottery?
Per policy, a Duncanville ISD staff member’s children may attend DISD schools; therefore, their children are eligible to apply for the STEAM Academy. However, no preference will be given to them in the lottery, all eligible students have the same chance of being selected in the lottery.
14. Why are you not doing an aptitude admittance or looking at a proven record of academic success as opposed to the lottery system?
We want to provide choice for all students in Duncanville ISD. At the STEAM Academy, we want to ignite a passion for learning in all of our students. Our goal is for STEAM to be a source of motivation for all students.
15. Will parents also receive a letter notifying them if their student was not selected for the STEAM school?
Yes. Letters and emails will go out to all students that applied by the end of March notifying them if they have been accepted or put on the waitlist.
16. How will you ensure diversity when it comes to utilizing the lottery system for enrollment?
Our goal is that the random lottery will reflect the demographics of the DISD community.
17. Will the school day be longer?
The school day will be consistent with the other middle schools, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
18. If my child does not get in this year will they have the opportunity next year? How will it work?
No, students enter the STEAM Academy starting their 6th-grade year. From time to time there may be a few spots that open in grades 7 and 8 due to students moving, etc.; however, those spots, if filled, would be filled by students on the waitlist.