Northside K-8 STEAM School Application Deadline April 1

March 25, 2014

By Tara Cavanaugh 

The deadline to apply for the new K-8 STEAM school that’s opening at Northside this fall is fast approaching.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools will accept applications for the exciting new program until April 1.

The district is giving the following priority to applicants: Those who live in the Northside School area, those who currently attend the Ann Arbor Public Schools, and Schools of Choice students who are applying from outside the AAPS district boundaries.

The program has attracted plenty of interest from parents and families. At least 300 attended the first informational meeting earlier this month. Yesterday the district held another informational meeting, which attracted another 60 parents.

Interviews for the STEAM school’s principal are currently being conducted and the district plans to introduce the new principal to parents during another informational meeting in April.

The K-8 STEAM program will provide extra emphasis on the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The school will focus on helping students develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, initiative, entrepreneurship, accessing and analyzing information, effective oral and written communication, and curiosity and imagination.

Although many tend to consider creativity and innovation inherent traits, “Students really can become more creative and innovative given the right opportunities,” said AAPS Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Swift at the March 24 meeting. “This program is about building those skills.”