Applying to the FTHS BioScience Academy |
The Bioscience Academy is designed specifically for students preparing themselves for careers in the life sciences – which includes health care and the diverse world of the biosciences. As a result, students must go through an application process in which they acquire teacher recommendations and have interviews with BioScience Academy staff.
If interested in applying, please review carefully the application webpage and follow the instructions for submission. Selection is based on student performance in class- particularly work ethic, demonstrated ability, teacher input and interest in the field.
It is important to have a diverse group of students who are all interested in seriously preparing for a future in scientific fields.
CRITERIA FOR ADMITTANCE
9th grade First Semester Grades:
- All classes must be a C or higher (only exception is PE). Emphasis will be placed not just on selecting students with the highest grades, but selecting consistent, hard working students with potential to handle the academic rigor ahead.
Teacher Recommendations:
- Teachers are asked to reflect on the responsibility, attitde, ability, and personality of the applicant. A great deal of emphasis ius placed on Teacher feedback. (Teacher Recommendation Form)
Test Scores:
- Math and English scores are examined to determine academic ability and potential.
Interview:
- This is a crcial measure to assess the intention of the student, maturity level, backuground, etc.
Diversity:
- It is important to have an Academy that reflects the socioeconomic and demographic picture of Foothill Technology High School and to offer opportunity to all who are interested and are responsible enough to handle the added requirements.
Selection:
- Only 36 students are chosen for each group, known as a cohort, due to the limited amount of space in both the classrooms and in the Master Schedule. Only one section of each course can be offered, because we simply do not have a large enough staff to offer more sections and still run the core courses necessary for the high school.
Waiting List:
- Students who are not admitted will be placed on a waiting list and if students in the cohort elect not to continue the following year, these waitlisted students on the list will have an opportunity to join the program if still interested.
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