Our Admissions Department is available to guide families through the admissions process and answer questions about application requirements and enrollment. For assistance, contact the office at 281-261-9200 ext 3861 or stemmagnet@staffordmsd.org.
Admissions & Application FAQs
When do applications open?
Applications open October 1 each year. Families may begin the admissions process by submitting an inquiry and accessing their Blackbaud account once the inquiry has been processed.
How are admissions decisions determined?
Admission to Stafford STEM Magnet Academy is based on the applicant’s overall application performance and available seat capacity within the applicant’s entering grade level.
Is admission determined by lottery?
No. Admissions decisions are based on application performance and available seats rather than a lottery system.
Will there be campus tours?
Yes. Stafford STEM Magnet Academy offers prescheduled group- campus tours, with tour dates released prior to applications opening October 1st. All families who have submitted an inquiry are welcome to attend; registration through Blackbaud is encouraged, although families may also attend without registering. Individual family tours are not available at our campus.
How do I apply?
All applications are created, managed, completed, and submitted through the applicant’s Blackbaud account. All required supporting documents must also be uploaded through Blackbaud; email submissions will not be accepted or considered.
Is testing required?
Yes. Testing is a required component of the admissions process for ALL applicants. Applicants will register for and complete the required assessment according to the testing requirements for their entering grade level.
Are teacher recommendations required?
Teacher recommendations are required only when specified for the applicant’s entering grade level or application requirements. Families should review the required application components in their Admissions Handbook and on the Blackbaud account to determine whether a recommendation is required.
What if my student has an IEP?
If applicable, the student’s current IEP should be uploaded to the applicant’s Blackbaud account before the application is submitted for review. All required documentation must be submitted through Blackbaud.
Does having an IEP affect my student’s admissions decision?
Having an Individualized Education Program / Plan does not negatively affect the applicant's admission decision. If applicable, families should upload the student’s current IEP to the Blackbaud account before submitting the completed application for review; all required documentation must be submitted through Blackbaud.
What happens if I miss an application deadline?
Families are encouraged to complete all application requirements by the published deadlines. Applications completed after the primary deadline may be considered during a later or rolling admissions phase, subject to available seats.
Associated Cost to Apply and Attend
Is there a cost to attend Stafford STEM Magnet Academy?
No. There is no tuition cost to attend Stafford STEM Magnet Academy.
Is Stafford STEM Magnet Academy a public or private school?
Stafford STEM Magnet Academy is a public magnet school within Stafford Municipal School District (Stafford MSD). We are not a private school, charter school, or tax-credit academy. However, application and required testing fees are associated with the admissions process.
Is there a cost to apply?
The application fee is $75. Required testing costs vary by entering grade level; for current testing information, fees, and registration, please visit iseeonline.erblearn.org.
Are there additional fees associated with applying?
Students entering grade 8-9, will have additional requirements associated with college coursework through Texas Tech University. Required coursework must be completed before the start of the entering fall semester.
Seats & Class Size
How many seats are available each year?
Available seats vary by grade level and are not distributed evenly across grades. On average, approximately 70-100+ seats may be available each admissions cycle, depending on enrollment and available capacity.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Student-to-teacher ratios vary by grade level. For Grades 1–5, the average ratio is approximately 21:1. We promote a small class environment.
Admissions Decisions
When are decisions communicated?
Admissions decisions are communicated in phases based on when an application is completed and the admissions review process is finalized. Families may receive an early, general or rolling decision depending on the timing of their completed application.
What types of decisions may I receive?
Applicants may receive an Accepted, Denied or Waitlist decision based on application review and available seats.
What is a Letter of Intent?
Families who receive an offer of admission are required to submit a Letter of Intent by the stated deadline to confirm their plans to enroll. Specific instructions and deadlines will be provided with the admissions decision.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes. When an entering grade level reaches capacity, qualified applicants may be placed on a waitlist. Movement from the waitlist is dependent upon seat availability.
Can I appeal an admissions decision?
Yes. Information regarding the appeals process, eligibility, and applicable deadlines will be provided to families when applicable.
Admissions Timeline
| Application Deadline |
Decision Timeline |
| Apply by November 30 |
'Fast Track' decisions communicated by December 14 |
| Apply by February 8 |
General decisions communicated by March 1 |
| Waitlisted Before March |
Waitlist decisions communicated by March 22 |
| Apply after March 1 |
Rolling decisions based on available seats |
Decision timelines are subject to change based on application review and available seats.
admissions calendar
