Math & Science Academy

Students are grouped in Math, Science and English. They have the opportunity to work with peers that have the same interests and motivations. Cohort classes offer opportunities for enhanced instruction such as more speakers and additional field trips. Enhanced instruction includes:

• Extensive laboratory experiences using the latest technologies and current computer-based software and hardware
• Emphasis on critical thinking skills in advanced math and science courses
• Focus on technical writing skill development

Scottsdale Math and Science Academy Distinction Program Requirements

Each academy student will:

• Complete a minimum of four units of high school math beginning with Geometry Trigonometry Honors followed by Algebra II honors, Trigonometry pre-calculus honors, and AP Calculus.
• Complete a minimum of three high school science courses, including honors chemistry, honors biology, honors physics.
• Complete a total of nine units of advanced STEM courses receiving an unweighted grade point average of no less than 3.0 in those courses.
• Complete in two Honors English courses or an advanced college-level English course.
• Complete at least two years of one foreign language. Students are encouraged to complete three years to be competitive applicants to selective colleges and universities. (It is recommended that entering freshmen complete one year of a foreign language prior to ninth grade.)
• Take a minimum of six classes each semester. The mentorship/research project may replace a one-semester class during the senior year.
• Participate in several science or math state or national competitions.
• Complete 20 hours of community service.
• Complete a field experience.
  • As a capstone experience of each Mathematics & Science Academy student’s program of study, the field experience/mentorship/research project truly sets our students apart.
  • The focus of the project must be in a field related to math, science, engineering or technology and integrate the foundational topics studied in the preceding years. Students may elect to complete a research/mentorship project or internship with a practicing scientist, mathematician, or alike professional.  

Academic Competitions

Each Math & Science Academy student, during their program of study, must compete in a minimum of two academic competitions. A student may take a semester class in which they prepare, under the guidance of a staff member, for the competition.

Once the competition is completed the student will write a self -evaluation summary paper, which will include recommendations to future students who will compete in the same or similar arena. A student may satisfy this component outside the regular class day in an approved competition under the guidance of a staff member in order to free up time to take additional electives during the regular school day. The following competitions are pre-approved (but not limited to) for meeting this requirement:

The Arizona Science Bowl is the most unique and exciting STEM competition there is! The competition consists of school teams from throughout the state. The teams are four students, one alternate, and a teacher who serves as a coach. Together, they face-off in fast-paced question and answer rounds and tested on a range of science disciplines. Please contact "Anne Milligan" <amilligan@susd.org>

Science Olympiad is a National Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program that allows students to apply what they know in a competitive setting. Welcome to the exciting possibilities for you and your students that happen with Science Olympiad. Arizona Science Olympiad has three divisions divided by grade level: Division A is for grades 2-5, Division B is for middle school students, grades 6 through 9, and Division C is for high school students, grades 9 through 12. We can offer you information on the integration of STEM education in your science and math classroom as well as numerous opportunities for your students to practice and compete in the various Science Olympiad events. Explore our site more and contact us for more information. If you are interested in being a part of the Saguaro Science Olympiad Team as a student, parent, or volunteer please contact Mr. Simonson at  "Daniel Simonson" <dsimonson@susd.org>.

Mathleague sponsors a series of high school math contests each year to determine the individual and team state champions in several states, as well as national champions. Local qualifying tournaments are held throughout the school year at various sites in these states. Within space limitations at each site, schools may attend any or all of these tournaments in an attempt to qualify for the state meet. Each event has a cutoff score, and all students and teams attaining the cutoff score will be invited to compete at the state championship, provided their schools are members of mathleague.org and located in a state where mathleague.org holds a championship. State meets will be held in April; details will be emailed by early April to all schools with qualifying students.

The Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF) is the state fair for Arizona. Managed by Arizona Science Center, AzSEF brings together first-place winners from school, homeschool, district, county and regional science fairs across Arizona to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and scholarships. The Grand Award winners in the Senior Division from the state-level fair will be selected to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

FIRST Robotics Competition. The mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. Engage kids in kindergarten through high school in exciting, mentor-based, research and robotics programs that help them become science and technology leaders, as well as well-rounded contributors to society. FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) combines the excitement of sports with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team brand, hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Saguaro, Chaparral, and Arcadia have FRC teams that participate in Arizona Regionals. The program requires about 20 hours a week for six weeks straight. That would mean after school and on Saturdays for six weeks (this is less time commitment than most sports). If you are interested in being a part of the (first) Saguaro FIRST Robotics team contact as a student, parent, or volunteer please contact Mr. Brandt at cbrandt@susd.org.

In the VEX Robotics Competition, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, teams of students are tasked with designing and building a robot to play against other teams in a game-based engineering challenge. Classroom STEM concepts are put to the test as students learn lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership, communications, and more. Tournaments are held year-round at the regional, state, and national levels and culminate at the VEX Robotics World Championship each April!

The MAA’s American Mathematics Competitions program leads the nation in strengthening the mathematical capabilities of the next generation of problem-solvers. Through classroom resources and friendly competition, the MAA AMC program helps America’s educators identify talent and foster a love of mathematics. The MAA AMC program positively impacts the analytical skills needed for future careers in an innovative society. The American Mathematics Competitions are a series of examinations and curriculum materials that build problem-solving skills and mathematical knowledge in middle and high school students. The AMC 10 and AMC 12 are both 25-question, 75-minute, multiple-choice examinations in high school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills. The AMC 10 is for students in 10th grade and below, and covers the high school curriculum up to 10th grade. Students in grade 10 or below and under 17.5 years of age on the day of the contest can take the AMC 10. The AMC 12 covers the entire high school curriculum including trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry, but excluding calculus. Students in grade 12 or below and under 19.5 years of age on the day of the contest can take the AMC 12. The AMC 10/12 is the first in a series of competitions that eventually lead all the way to the International Mathematical Olympiad (see Invitational Competitions).

CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air Force Association to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation's future. At the core of the program is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, the nation's largest cyber defense competition that puts high school and middle school students in charge of securing virtual networks. Teams consist of 2-5 students.  

Academy Member

Students have completed an SMSA application. They have either participated in the cohort classes and/or STEM-related clubs, teams, or events.

Academy Scholar

Students completed an SMSA application.  They completed the cohort classes or approved alternates. They completed at least three additional approved STEM courses.  They have participated in an extended study STEM-related competition or STEM-related field experience.

Commended Scholar

Students completed the SMSA upperclassman application process and have established a Program of Study. They completed nine units of required honors and/or advanced STEM approved courses. They participated in at least two extended study STEM-related competitions or a STEM-related field experience.

Distinguished Graduate 

Students have completed the SMSA upperclassman application process. The student has completed all components of their Program of Study and it has been signed and reviewed by the distinction coordinator. The students have met all requirements for academy graduation to include the following:

• Complete a minimum of four units of high school math beginning with Geometry Trigonometry Honors followed by Algebra II honors, Trigonometry pre-calculus honors, and AP Calculus.
• Complete a minimum of three high school science courses, including honors chemistry, honors biology, honors physics.
• Complete a total of nine units of advanced STEM courses receiving an unweighted grade point average of no less than 3.0 in those courses.
• Complete two Honors English courses or an advanced college-level English course.
• Complete at least two years of one foreign language. Students are encouraged to complete three years to be competitive applicants to selective colleges and universities. 
• Participate in several STEM-related extended preparation state or national level STEM-related competitions.
• Complete 20 hours of community service.    
• Complete an approved STEM-related field experience or senior research project to include written support and presentation.

SMSA Pre-Approved Advanced Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Courses 

Cohort Classes

*Geometry/Trigonometry Honors

*Algebra II Honors 

*Pre AP Biology I Honors 

*Pre AP Chemistry I Honors 

Post Cohort Classes

*Trig/Pre-Calculus Honors 

*AP Calculus (AB) or AP Calculus (BC)

AP Statistics 

DE Calc III -Honors 

AP Biology ll 

AP Chemistry ll 

AP Environmental Science 

*Advanced Physics Honors or Physics Honors

Human Physiology and Anatomy Honors

AP Computer Science

Engineering Design II or III

Honors Biotechnology II

Networking and Cyber Security II 

Health Care Assist-Nursing Block (counts as one advanced science or the field experience)

*Required course for SMSA distinguished graduate recognition.  Either Calculus AB or BC can be taken, both are not required, and only one can count towards the graduation requirement.

Students in the SMSA and AP Capstone Diploma Program MUST take all of the required courses for distinguished graduate recognition and the following courses

AP Science elective 

AP Seminar (counts as one of nine required academy graduate classes)

AP Research (counts as the senior project/field experience)

AP English Language/Composition

AP English Literature/Composition

Other STEM courses may be approved by the academy distinction coordinator for academy recognition if the student’s Program of Study indicates the STEM-related class best meets the needs of that student or the student's schedule does not allow for an approved course to be taken.  Students must get all courses that are not on the pre-approval list approved prior to the class enrollment.

The following advanced STEM-related courses can be used for commended scholar recognition but are NOT Pre-Approved for academy distinguished graduate status.

Advanced Sports Medicine

Forensic Science II

Robotics Honors

AP Psychology

Criminology II