Fueling Futures: Igniting Excellence, Celebrating Achievements - Going Full STEAM Ahead!

Beginning in the fall of 2023, the St. Martin Parish School System launched the Magnet Academies Program planning efforts. The Magnet Academies Program will serve as a bridge between parents, the community, and support the district's desegregation efforts. It will cultivate critical thinking, cultural awareness, and equip learners with the tools to navigate a diverse world. Magnet academies play a vital role in innovative educational practices by providing unique, themed Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) through fifth-grade programming, offering students, parents, and families diverse educational opportunities aligned with the desegregation efforts for the two designated magnet schools – the St. Martin Early STEAM Academy  "SMESA" (formerly named Early Learning Center “ELC”) and the St. Martin STEAM Academy "SMSA" (formerly named St. Martinville Primary “SMP”).

Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the St. Martin Schools launched its STEAM magnet schools in order to provide all eligible students and families of St. Martin Parish with amazing and unique theme-based education opportunities at the two St. Martinville magnet schools. These whole-school STEAM-centered models, incorporate an exploratory arts and science integration model. Students in grades Pre-K through 5 will be introduced to an exploratory, combined STEM and Arts-integrated ("STEAM") classroom model aligned with state guidelines. The new STEAM magnet schools are located in St. Martinville and open to all zoned and eligible non-zoned M-to-M resident students of St. Martin Parish. Students that are not zoned and not M-to-M eligible to enroll may have an opportunity to apply and attend. The magnet program will be engaging, attractive, rigorous, and innovative, designed to provide a stimulating learning environment while also exposing students to diverse perspectives that will challenge them to become critical thinkers and productive citizens who are culturally responsive to the needs of others.

Please note that some information provided on this page regarding the St. Martin Parish Magnet Academies’ two STEAM magnet schools may slightly change due to ongoing court proceedings. All updates and program details are contingent upon final court approval. The website will be periodically updated to reflect any changes. The St. Martin Parish School System appreciates your understanding and patience. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the STEAM magnet schools and program offerings, please email magnet@saintmartinschools.org.

Application Portal

Applications for admission to our two prestigious STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) magnet schools are now live! Our STEAM magnet schools offer a dynamic learning environment where creativity, innovation, and critical thinking are fostered. Students engage in hands-on projects, collaborate with peers, and explore real-world challenges under the guidance of dedicated educators passionate about STEAM education. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and parents and/or guardians will be notified within a week of submitting their child's application of eligibility confirmation.

Applying to our STEAM magnet schools is easy! Simply click on the link below to access our online application portal. We encourage all interested parents and guardians to submit their applications by May 1, 2025. 

APPLY ONLINE HERE

Parents and/or guardians can also download a paper application and email or text magnet@stmartinschools.org. For convenience, applications can also be dropped off at the school board office or at any school in the District. 

download PAper application

*NOTE: Students currently zoned for St. Martin Early STEAM Academy (SMESA) and St. Martin STEAM Academy (SMSA) will automatically be accepted into the academies as first priority. Students eligible for M-to-M transfer, per district policy, will be granted priority and no student shall be denied due to capacity. 

VISION STATEMENT

The St. Martin Parish School System (District) Magnet Academies Program, in partnership with all school community members, will be welcoming and nurturing environments that foster interaction and belonging among students of different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through unique, theme-based programming, the magnet academies will support students’ ability to thrive in their future academic and professional lives.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the St. Martin Parish School System Magnet Academies is to establish desegregated educational environments where every student excels and belongs. Driven by STEAM-themed instruction and elevated academic standards, our commitment is to actively foster engagement among students from diverse backgrounds. The St. Martin Parish School System Magnet Academies will create an inclusive learning community that celebrates and values diversity.

GOALS

The goal of the St. Martin Parish School System is to implement a magnet program that desegregates students in an engaging, attractive, rigorous, and innovative educational environment. To achieve the District’s mission and vision of redesigning two St. Martinville zone schools into STEAM magnet schools, the District will: 

I.               Desegregation: Increase racial diversity amongst the student population by attracting students and families of different social, economic, and racial backgrounds through unique theme-based STEAM programming.

II.             Academic Achievement: Support academic growth and success through a challenging and diverse learning environment that inspires and empowers all students to achieve their potential.

III.            Professional Learning: Provide professional learning that empowers a racially diverse group of high-quality educators to excel in integrating magnet themes and positive behavioral interventions.

IV.           Magnet Theme: Implement evidence-based, whole-school, integrated STEAM programs.

V.             School Climate: Cultivate nondiscriminatory, inclusive, and engaging magnet school cultures that are culturally responsive.

St. Martin Schools STEAM Academies

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) is a classroom-based teaching and learning approach combining science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math to guide student exploration, discussion, and problem-solving. The District's two new STEAM Academies are now located at St. Martin Early STEAM Academy (SMESA) and St. Martin STEAM Academy (SMSA) campuses, in St. Martinville. The program features a whole-school STEAM-centered concept, incorporating an exploratory arts and science integration model. Early learners in pre-K will be introduced to an exploratory, combined STEM and Arts-integrated, classroom model STEAM, integrated throughout their curriculum. Students in grades K through 5 will also have opportunities to engage in visual and graphic arts, music, and dance/drama. These options will be available during regular school hours, after school, and in the summer program. 

Our two new STEAM magnet schools are:

• St. Martin Early STEAM Academy,  open to students in grades Pre-K through 1
• St. Martin STEAM Academy, open to students in grades 2 through 5

The STEAM programming is designed to teach students at the magnet schools to experiment like scientists, produce with technology, build like engineers, create like artists, and solve problems like mathematicians. From engineers to astronauts, hurricane hunters to scientists, St. Martin STEAM Academies incorporate guest speakers and lectures into small classroom settings and whole-school presentations to enhance STEAM scholars' knowledge and interest. 

Eligibilty

All St. Martin Parish students residing within the M-to-M eligible zones (currently Cecilia Primary and Teche Elementary), who wish to enroll in the STEAM Magnet Academies will use an application submission process. The annual selection process will be open to any rising students in all grades served by the magnet schools. Available space for each grade level will be annually determined by school capacity and existing enrollment projections (starting in year 2), and aligned with the District’s desegregation goals. Students in the St. Martinville zone do not need to apply to be selected into the magnet school and are automatically admitted to the school, per District zoning policy. Zoned students who wish to enroll in the magnet schools should register through the District’s general registration process.

All students enrolling in the magnet schools will have access to all educational opportunities, including curricular, extracurricular, after-school, and summer programming on a fair and free basis.

Eligibility for M-to-M Preference

Students whose race is in the majority at the school they attend (i.e., Cecilia Primary, Teche Elementary) who wish to transfer to the St. Martin Early STEAM Academy or St. Martin STEAM Academy where their race is in the minority, will be eligible for admission under Tier 1 priority. Students from other M-to-M identified zones within St. Martin Parish, such as those enrolled in charter or private schools, or who are homeschooled, will be eligible for priority consideration if they meet the requirements of the District's M-to-M transfer policy. All students residing in the St. Martinville school zone, but currently not attending the schools, will be granted admission to the two magnet schools per District zone policies. 

Application Process and Timeline

The application process is designed to achieve the District’s desegregation goals and promote diverse campuses, utilizing a priority-based selection process as outlined in the Court Order. The first application period each year runs from the the first day of the Spring Semester each year to May 1 and does not require any special academic, behavioral, or other enrollment criteria for prospective or current students. If May 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the application period will close at 4:30 p.m. on the following Monday. The magnet school application period will run concurrently with the district's current Majority-to-Minority (M-to-M) application and transfer process, starting on the first day of the Spring semester each year. Beginning one month before the close of applications, a weekly reminder message will be sent through the District’s parent portal system to the email and phone number on file for all families in the District, notifying them that applications will be closing on May 1. Following the initial application season, eligible students enrolled in the STEAM summer program shall have an opportunity to apply for the magnet schools beginning the first day of summer programming. The applications for this period will close the second week of July, each year.

Each application will be reviewed for completion and accuracy beginning the first week of February of each year on a rolling basis. Parents will be notified by email and follow-up phone calls to correct any missing or inaccurate information on the applications. Magnet Academies staff are available to assist parents and/or guardians and families at recruitment events and at the magnet office with the application completion and submission. Applications can be submitted to any school in the St. Martin Parish School System or by email and/or text to magnet@saintmartinschools.org.

Activity	Date
Application period opens	1st day of Spring semester
Begin reviewing applications for accuracy	February 1, each year
Targeted Pre-K Application processing	Early-February, each year
Confirm existing seats available, per grade level	February 1, each year
Application window closes for students applying prior to the summer program	May 1, each year
Application period opens for students enrolled in summer program	1st day of summer program each year
Application window closes for students who attended the summer program	July 7, 2025, first Monday in July annually
Student notification of offer	One week after applications close
Welcome events to accepted students to assist in finalizing a decision to accept offer.	2-week period after acceptance letters are sent
Deadline to accept offer	Last business day of May each year
Post-Application Season Survey	Within one week of applications closing

Acceptance and Continued Enrollment

Applications will be reviewed for completion, accuracy, and eligibility beginning the first week of February of each year. Parents and/or guardians will be notified by email and follow-up phone calls to correct any missing or inaccurate information on the applications. Acceptance notifications will be sent one (1) week after applications are submitted and reviewed, on a rolling basis. Parents and/or guardians will be notified of acceptance by phone calls to the phone number on file, by email through the application selection software, and paper notices will be mailed to the address on file and sent home with students if they are enrolled in district schools. Parents and/or guardians will have three (3) weeks to accept placement. Parents and/or guardians can accept via the application portal directly or through returning a paper acceptance to any district school. If students are offered enrollment and do not accept, they will be placed on the waitlist once the acceptance deadline has passed. Seats that remain open will be filled first by waitlisted applicants who match the racial demographics of the initial acceptance.

Once a student is enrolled, they will not need to reapply for the following years. Students attending St. Martin Early STEAM Academy for grade 1 will automatically be enrolled in grade 2 at the St. Martin STEAM Academy campus. Students attending Pre-K at the St. Martin Early STEAM Academy will automatically be enrolled in Kindergarten at the same magnet school.

Priorities

Aligned with the Consent Order, the District will implement a priority-tiered process, described below, to select students for enrollment in the two schools. If student demand exceeds capacity, this same priority system will apply to constitute a waitlist for students who apply but are not offered a spot to enroll. Applicants in each tier will be exhausted before considering students in the next tier. M-to-M eligible students will not be denied acceptances; however, may be placed on a waitlist until space is available. Students currently attending or zoned for St. Martin Early STEAM Academy and St. Martin STEAM Academy will be guaranteed automatic admission to the new whole-school magnet programs. Remaining seats in each grade level will be allocated by using tiers as follows, in order of priority consideration:

1. Students who qualify for a Majority-to-Minority (M-to-M) transfer in accordance with district M-to-M policy. 
   1. Siblings of enrolled M-to-M magnet school students returning the following school year and M-to-M families applying together in the same application season will receive priority under the Tier 1 rule.
2. Tier 2: Children of employees at St. Martin Early STEAM Academy and St. Martin STEAM Academy.
3. Tier 3: Students who reside outside of the St. Martinville zone and who do not qualify for Tier 1 or Tier 2. The District will admit one Black student within this tier for each White student admitted within this tier, using a nondiscriminatory and randomized lottery process for each category of Black and White students. For each Black and White student admitted for this tier, the District may admit a non-Black, non-white student.

Siblings

Siblings of students who are enrolled or admitted through the enrollment process would automatically be given priority within each tier. For example, if a student is attending the magnet academies via M-to-M and their younger sibling becomes old enough to apply for the Early STEAM Academy, this applicant would have priority over other M-to-M applicants. If one sibling was admitted to Tier 1, then their siblings would be immediately given priority to be next considered for admission. Sibling preference applies to students who submit applications by the application deadline. Parents requesting sibling priority must provide documentation to the Magnet Academies office. The District recognizes siblings as any brothers and/or sisters by blood, adoption, marriage, or permanent court-appointed guardianship who reside at the same address. 

Waitlist

In the event that the Magnet Academy program applications exceed the capacity of the schools each year, the application selection software will create an automated waitlist process based on priority. It will be activated to offer admissions to racially matched students on the waitlist as space becomes available. The District may also expand the schools’ physical buildings or increase the student-to-teacher ratio to accommodate enrollment that exceeds capacity. In the event that a large number of students enroll after the first day of school, requiring a new grade-level section, the District will hire another teacher to accommodate students aligned with the 18-to-one student-teacher ratio. No M-to-M eligible students will be denied acceptance due to capacity issues, but they may be waitlisted while the District determines how best to accommodate enrollment that exceeds capacity.

Enrollment Post-Acceptance and Late Entry

The St. Martin Parish School System considers student attendance and academic continuity crucial to student success. Therefore, for students enrolling via M-to-M transfer, they must be enrolled at the respective magnet school within two (2) weeks of the start of the new school year. Students enrolling in the District mid-year, and who qualify for M-to-M transfer options, will be granted immediate acceptance to the magnet schools upon successfully completing the application, unless there is a waitlist; these waitlisted student(s) will be placed on the existing waitlist accordingly.  Students not currently enrolled in the district and who are not zoned for either of the two magnet schools must follow the District’s current school M-to-M transfer policy. 

 Magnet Academies Withdrawal

St Martin Parish School System recognizes students may need to withdraw from the STEAM schools for various reasons throughout the year. For auditing purposes, parents and/or guardians will be asked to complete a magnet program withdrawal survey form to provide the District with important feedback and the reason for the withdrawal as listed below.

A. Majority-to-Minority Withdrawals (M-to-M): Students attending either of the two schools through M-to-M transfer shall follow the District’s M-to-M withdrawal process, which requires students to remain at the current schools of enrollment through the end of the school year unless there is an extenuating circumstance. Zoned Black students may also use the M-to-M transfer to eligible schools during the annual M-to-M transfer window.

B. District Exits: While it is the preference for students to remain in their school of enrollment for the duration of a school year to maintain the continuum of quality education, the District understands some students may move out of the parish or enroll in private or charter schools. Students leaving the District shall follow the District’s exit process found on the District’s website.

Magnet Re-Entry: In accordance with school board policy, students zoned for either of the magnet schools will receive priority placement upon returning and will not be waitlisted. If a previous magnet student who is not zoned to the school would like to return to one of the magnet schools, parents and/or guardians will need to submit a new application. Students returning after exiting the magnet program will be accepted according to priority tiers. Once a school is at enrollment capacity, all returning students not zoned to the school will be placed on a waitlist.

 Transportation

All students enrolled in the magnet schools will receive free, guaranteed door-to-door bus transportation. M-to-M students and other non-zoned magnet students will be provided parish-wide bus transportation to and from other attendance zones in St. Martin Schools, using the same door-to-door transportation routing system as other schools. Zoned students will continue to receive transportation according to the District’s zoned transportation routing. Additionally, free transportation will be provided to all students who participate in regular school, regular aftercare, after-school enrichment clubs, and summer extracurricular programs using door-to-door transportation. 

Transportation requests may be submitted directly to each magnet school of enrollment, by indicating transportation requested on the transfer application for non-zoned students, the regular aftercare/STEAM enrichment club application, or by completing the magnet transportation request form (link to form opens in new window). Parents and/or guardians can also contact the Magnet Academies office by email at magnet@saintmartinschools.org. Parents and/or guardians can also contact the schools by the phone numbers listed below for bus-specific information:

St. Martin Early STEAM Academy 337-909-3300

St. Martin STEAM Academy 337-394-6254

Explore Our STEAM Magnet Schools!

 

Watch our promotional video to hear firsthand testimonials from students, learn more about our innovative STEAM program, and take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art STEAM classrooms. Discover how our engaging, hands-on learning environment inspires creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for discovery!

Innovative Learning at St. Martin STEAM Magnet Academies

At St. Martin STEAM Magnet Academies, we provide a hands-on, engaging curriculum designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Our unique approach blends Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) with Louisiana’s state standards to create a one-of-a-kind learning experience.

Exciting Learning Opportunities for Every Student

• STEAM Electives Every Week – Students participate in art, dance, drama, music, STEM-lab, library, and PEwith integrated STEAM themes.
• Hands-On, Project-Based Learning – Students engage in real-world problem-solving through experiments, technology, and design challenges.
• Guest Speakers & Field Trips – Learning is brought to life with experts, industry partners, and exciting educational outings.
• Showcasing Student Work – Students present their learning at events like STEAM Night, Science in Action, Math Marvels, and Technology Teaching.
• Competitions & Capstone Projects – Older students can participate in local, state, and national STEAM competitions, as well as capstone projects highlighting their skills and creativity.

Early STEAM Learning for Pre-K

Our youngest learners at St. Martin Early STEAM Academy are introduced to STEAM concepts through Frog Street Pre-K, an interactive, project-based curriculum. Children explore literacy and math while building, experimenting, and coding with tools like FrogE, a beginner-friendly robot.

Example of Pre-K Schedule

 

Technology & Innovation

 

• STEAM Hub & Makerspace – Our media center offers robotics, coding, 3D printing, and LEGO challenges to spark innovation.
• Multimedia & Digital Portfolios – Students document their learning through videos, presentations, and digital projects.
• C-STEM Curriculum – A unique coding and robotics program that integrates math, problem-solving, and engineering from Kindergarten through 5th grade.

STEAM Exploration and Rotations

The STEAM theme will be integrated throughout and embedded in all aspects of St. Martin Early STEAM Academy and St. Martin STEAM Academy magnet schools, to attract racially diverse students with innovative STEAM magnet academies. The District is creating a high-quality learning environment that teaches teamwork but fosters independent innovation and prepares students for real-life situations as they relate to Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).  

All students will participate in exploratory STEAM classes (visual arts, dance, general music, drama, STEM) in grades Pre-K through 5 during this school year. Unlike grades K through 5, Pre-K STEAM rotations are 30 minutes per elective and four (4) times weekly,  due to it being a developmentally appropriate timeframe for their age level. STEAM elective rotation cycles will be based on four (4) electives per cycle, which includes the STEM elective as part of those 30 or 45-minute rotations. Library and/or Computer Skills classes are included as a general elective for students depending on the grade level. 

 

A Place for Every Learner

We believe every student is an artist and an engineer. Our personalized approach ensures that children of all abilities—including gifted and exceptional learners—have access to the tools, resources, and STEAM experiences that inspire them to succeed.

Community Partnerships & Engagement

We’re proud to collaborate with local businesses, industry leaders, and STEAM organizations to provide students with real-world learning experiences. If you're interested in partnering with us to enrich our STEAM curriculum, email Dr. Jon Downs, Magnet Coordinator, at jon_downs@saintmartinschools.org.

At St. Martin STEAM Magnet Academies, students are encouraged to dream big, explore boldly, and go FULL STEAM AHEAD! 

Family & Community Engagement in Our Magnet Academies

At St. Martin Parish Magnet Academies, we believe strong family-school partnerships enhance student success. By working together, families, educators, and community stakeholders create an environment that supports both academic achievement and social-emotional growth.

Working Together for Student Success

Families and school staff are valued partners in education, bringing unique strengths to the table. We are committed to fostering meaningful collaboration through ongoing engagement opportunities, two-way communication, and shared decision-making that reflects the needs of our students and families.

The PERFECT Center for Family Engagement

The PERFECT (Parents and/or Guardians Engaged Responsibly for Education and Collaborative Teamwork) Center serves as the hub for family-school partnerships within our Magnet Academies. Through workshops, action plans, and engagement initiatives, the center ensures families have a voice in shaping school policies and activities.

Family Engagement Activities & Events

• Family STEAM Nights (held twice a year) allow families to experience hands-on STEAM activities led by students. These events also provide information on advisory committees, afterschool programs, and summer opportunities.
• Surveys & Feedback – We actively seek family input to improve our programs. Parent satisfaction surveys, recruitment feedback, and ongoing evaluations help shape the future of our magnet schools.
• Advisory Committees – Families can participate in school and district advisory groups to help guide program implementation and ensure alignment with academic and instructional goals.

Transparency & Continuous Improvement

The District conducts ongoing audits to ensure magnet school applications and enrollment processes support desegregation goals. Enrollment data, including racial demographics of applicants and acceptances, will be available on the Magnet Academies website. Additionally, feedback from families will be reviewed annually, with steps for improvement publicly shared.

We invite all parents, guardians, and community members to take an active role in shaping the future of our Magnet Academies. Together, we create an inclusive and innovative learning experience for all students!

District Magnet Academies Program STEAM Advisory Board

The District is committed to building strong partnerships that support the success of the STEAM Magnet Academies. To enhance community involvement and long-term planning, the District has established a STEAM Advisory Board, along with school-level subcommittees for each magnet school.

These advisory groups will:

• Provide feedback and recommendations to strengthen the magnet program
• Support family and community engagement
• Help expand STEAM opportunities for students
• Assist with long-term planning for program growth and sustainability

The STEAM Advisory Board is made up of parents, educators, community members, and industry partners who share a commitment to student success in STEAM education. Members will collaborate to support the schools, promote unique learning experiences, and help ensure the magnet program remains strong for years to come.

Advisory Board Membership & Selection

The Advisory Board includes representatives from:

• Parents/guardians of magnet students
• Local arts, STEM, and STEAM-focused organizations
• Community and business partners
• School administrators and staff
• District magnet program leadership

The District will select initial board members based on an application and nomination process. Future board members will be chosen through a structured review process to ensure a broad range of perspectives and expertise.

Meeting Schedule & Participation

The Advisory Board will meet monthly, beginning December 2024, with an option to adjust meeting frequency in future years. Members can attend in person or virtually to accommodate schedules.

Subcommittees for Each Magnet School
Each magnet school will have its own advisory subcommittee, made up of members from the main Advisory Board. These groups will work closely with school leadership to:

• Support school-based events and activities
• Encourage family and community participation
• Provide input on program improvements
• Strengthen partnerships between the schools and local organizations

Get Involved

The District encourages parents, business leaders, and community members who are passionate about STEAM education to apply or nominate others to serve on the Advisory Board.

For more details on the application process and meeting schedules, please contact the Magnet Coordinator, Dr. Jon Downs, at jon_downs@saintmartinschools.org.

Magnet Academies Program STEAM Parternships & Opportunities

 

Community partners play a vital role in strengthening the District’s STEAM magnet program. By actively engaging with local organizations, businesses, and institutions, the St. Martin Parish STEAM Magnet Academies Program enhances educational opportunities and broadens students’ exposure to STEAM subjects. These partnerships provide students with meaningful experiences, foster collaboration among students, families, educators, and the broader community, and help cultivate a well-rounded, innovative learning environment. Through these partnerships, the District seeks to:

• Advocate and Build Networks: Promote the importance of STEAM education within the community and beyond. Partners may also assist schools in connecting with other organizations, institutions, and industry leaders to expand learning and career opportunities for students.
• Host and Support Community Events: Assist with or participate in events that celebrate and promote STEAM education, such as the annual Magnet Showcase, science fairs, technology expos, art exhibits, and math competitions. These events strengthen community ties and support the schools’ STEAM initiatives.
• Provide Guest Speakers and Workshops: Arrange for professionals and industry leaders from various STEAM fields to visit schools as guest speakers or workshop facilitators. These engagements expose students to different career paths and provide real-world applications of STEAM concepts.
• Enhance School Infrastructure: Support the development of STEAM labs, Makerspaces, and performing arts spaces to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that encourage creativity and problem-solving.
• Establish Mentorship Programs: Connect students with professionals and experts in STEAM-related fields, offering valuable mentorship and real-world exposure that inspires future career aspirations.
• Support Teacher and Staff Development: Offer professional learning opportunities to help educators strengthen their STEAM teaching strategies through workshops, seminars, and access to specialized resources.
• Collaborate on STEAM Projects: Work with schools on curriculum-based STEAM projects, such as the 5th Grade Capstone, community-based initiatives, and participation in STEAM competitions.
• Contribute Resources and Funding: Provide financial support, materials, and equipment to enrich the schools’ STEAM programs. Contributions may include technology, laboratory supplies, art materials, musical instruments, or funding for field trips and extracurricular activities.
• Sponsor Enrichment Programs: Assist with after-school clubs and summer programs focused on STEAM, giving students additional opportunities to explore their interests and develop skills outside of the classroom.

The St. Martin STEAM Academies have built and will continue to maintain partnerships with various organizations and businesses that align with the mission, vision, and goals of the STEAM program. The District will leverage these strategic relationships in a variety of ways, including participation on the Magnet Program Advisory Board, school-level advisory councils, professional development initiatives, career networking, enrichment programs, curriculum development, and parent engagement.

Interested community members, businesses, industries, and STEAM-related organizations can learn more and become a partner by contacting Dr. Jon Downs, Magnet Coordinator, at jon_downs@saintmartinschools.org.

The desegregative efforts of the two STEAM magnet schools for the 2024-2025 school year reflect a commitment to fostering a well-balanced student population. The pie charts illustrate the racial composition of each school, highlighting the impact of the desegregation plan.

At St. Martin Early STEAM Academy (Pre-K through 1st grade) the October 1, 2024 enrollment data is:  Black students comprise 63% of the total enrollment, while White students make up 33%, resulting in a desegregation percentage of +/- 14.5%. This data demonstrates progress toward greater inclusivity while maintaining equitable access to high-quality STEAM education.

Similarly, at St. Martin STEAM Academy (2nd through 5th grade) the October 1, 2024 enrollment data is: Black students represent 58% of the total population, and White students account for 40%, with a desegregation percentage of +/- 9.3%. These figures indicate that efforts to create a more representative learning environment are yielding measurable results.

Both schools’ enrollment data reflect intentional recruitment and outreach efforts to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to engage in STEAM-focused educational experiences. These desegregation percentages demonstrate a step forward in aligning student demographics more closely with the district’s goals while supporting a welcoming and well-rounded school community.