Math/Science department expanding to 7th grade

ASFA has announced that it will be expanding its Math and Science department to include seventh-grade students starting August 2023.

The application process for seventh-grade students, which concludes on Friday, will be the same as for other applicants. Application requirements include two handwritten essays, two teacher recommendations, as well as the student’s transcript. Strong applications will show the student’s involvement with STEM-related activities, including science fairs, math tournaments, and computer science competitions. Additionally, good teacher recommendations will strengthen an application.

The new seventh-grade students will be taught by Math/Science department chair Hungsin Chin and the group of science instructors. They will take Explorations in Pre-Algebra and Investigative Science classes. Additionally, a new elective, Explorations in Computer Science, will be offered to seventh-grade students.

While Ms. Chin acknowledges that the addition of seventh graders will bring increased responsibilities for the students, she says that “starting a focus on math and science at a younger age will be beneficial in the long term.” To be successful in the Math/Science department, seventh-grade students will “need to build or maintain good study habits and skills, ask questions when anything is unclear, be a self-advocate, stay focused and have note-taking skills.”

The addition of seventh graders aligns the Math/Science department with the school's other five fine arts programs, which already admit seventh graders. New and potential students with a passion for math and science are encouraged to apply to ASFA by the application deadline on Friday and take advantage of the opportunities of the department to begin their journey toward their passions.