CSMTech
A Supportive Learning Community
CSMTech was founded in 1994, and now enjoys more than 20 years of growth and development.
It is a science, mathematics and technology academy (STEM program), where learning is celebrated!
Students learn technology tools in 9th and 10th grades which carry them through the four-year program. Math and the sciences are taught in an integrated curriculum, demonstrating real world applications and connections. Students who enroll in this program are excited about math and science and love the atmosphere, that "learning is cool."
Since 1994, our students have graduated and gone onto reputable colleges and universities. The program has graduated many engineers, doctors, orthopedic surgeons, veterinarians, computer and robotics engineers and computer scientists as well as teachers! Some of the esteemed universities attended include: Kettering, U of M, MTU, MSU, MIT, RIT, Purdue, Cornell, WPI and Embry Riddle to name a few.
- In-District Student Application Information & Dates
- CSMTech Benefits
- CSMTech Prerequisites
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Supply List
- Open Enrollment Opportunities
In-District Student Application Information & Dates
The application window for 2023-2024 is open April 10 through August 11. Applications must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 11, 2023.
There are two application deadlines:
May 25th for acceptance before the end of the end of the school year.
August 11 for acceptance before the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
Preparing For Your Application
Please have the following ready before beginning your application:
- Student Demographic Information (name, phone, email address etc.)
- Student Essay
- This section of the application should be completed by the student. This is an important part of the application process. Read the instructions carefully.
Respond to the following:
Part A
Please describe yourself with regard to the following criteria:
- An expressed interest in mathematics, science or technology.
- An Interest in problem solving.
- Responsible, self-directed learning capabilities.
- An inquisitive and curious nature.
- An ability to work in an active, cooperative, learning environment.
Part B
Please share with us your feelings about the following:
- What you expect to accomplish during the program.
- Why you should be considered for this program.
Keep your information relevant to the focus areas of mathematics, science and technology. (Note: You may include a list of extracurricular activities, accomplishments, honors, special training, etc.)
- Parent Statement
- Parent interest and support are critical for success, emotional as well as physical. Aside from encouraging your student if he/she becomes frustrated with new learning strategies, it may be necessary for you to provide transportation so your student can receive tutoring outside of normal school hours. The program takes commitment from the entire family.
- Please describe what you expect your child to gain from CSMTech Academy in terms of personal and educational goals.
- Semester 1 report card
- Record of last 2 years of behavior history if not currently enrolled in Clarkston Community Schools
- If no behavior history in the last 2 years, a letter on school letterhead signed by school administration is required.
What Happens Next?
- Completed applications are due by 5/25/23 for the 6/2/23 algebra placement test, or 8/11/23 for the 8/14/23 algebra placement test
- Soon after the placement test, decision letters will be sent to your home address
- If your child is accepted into the program and currently enrolled in Clarkston Schools, their schedule for next year will include their CSMTech courses.
- If not yet enrolled in Clarkston Schools you will be notified of their acceptance and must enroll them with the district.
- If you fail to complete the new student enrollment process within the timeline provided, your child will be automatically dropped from the open enrollment program.
CSMTech Benefits
The CSMTech Curriculum
The CSMTech curriculum allows students to study through AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Chemistry and AP Physics. The material is taught in a comfortable setting which encourages help from teachers as well as fellow students. Activities and labs often follow-up or initiate learning in the classroom, allowing the students to apply the material to the real world. The result being a deeper understanding of “when are we ever going to use this?” Along with math and science, technology is an integral part of the curriculum.
- 9th and 10th graders experience 6 Tech Weeks per year, where they learn a variety of technologies including computer programs such as Flash, Photoshop and moving making software - to name a few.
- 11th and 12th graders have 5-week long Technology Blocks in which they can choose from a variety of intensive technology classes. Each student is encouraged to participate in an internship prior to graduation (through their Tech Block).
Focus on the Whole Child
We understand school and life can be stressful. In CSMTech, we help students find balance with focused time for stress management, yoga, time management and organization, mindfulness, and projects that tap into individual passions. We create deliberate breaks from the rigors of school to help students reset and move forward. These skills are great tools that students can apply outside the CSMTech program!
CSMTech Prerequisites
What are the educational prerequisites to be successful in CSMTech?
- The ability, maturity, and motivation to undertake successfully the rigor and content of advanced coursework
- An overall grade point average of 3.0+
- Complete and pass Algebra 1 by the end of 8th grade
- Algebra prerequisite test CSMTech application form
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I apply to CSMTech?
If you love math and science, you should definitely apply to CSMTech.
How do I apply to CSMTech?
You will need to fill out an application. Applications are available through this website by clicking on the "Apply" button. For out of district applicants, you will also need to complete and submit the 105/105c application by the deadline.
Once I am accepted, then what?
Come visit the CSMTech classrooms during the student showcase in the spring to familiarize yourself with the high school, meet the teachers, and locate the classrooms. If you aren’t able to attend the CSMTech open house during the student showcase and are curious as to where in the building CSMTech is, you can attend the sophomore orientation day (in August) at CHS to tour the building. However, you will still attend schedule pick-up at your home building before school starts. On the first half day of school, you will attend only your home building. On the first full day of school, you will begin your schedule that includes starting your day at CHS in the CSMTech classrooms.
What if I am currently advanced in math or science?
We have many students that are advanced in math and/or science. We have schedules that have been created to fit the level of education for most of the advanced students so that they can remain on their advanced track.
What if I am a school of choice student?
You must currently be an 8th grade student in order to apply to CSMTech as an out of district student. If you are a school of choice student, you will need to follow the same application process, but also complete and submit the 105/105c application by the deadline. All application links are located under the "Apply" link. Once accepted into CSMTech you will become a full time Clarkston Student. School of choice students are expected to have their own transportation to and from school, a bus will not be provided to pick you up in the morning or drop you off in the afternoon.
Can I be in a sport or be involved in other extra-curricular activities if I am part of CSMTech?
The CSMTech program does not prevent any students from participating in extra-curriculars! The majority of our students are involved in band, choir, drama, athletics (we have many athlete scholars), robotics and various other activities.
Can I take band, a foreign language, or other elective courses and be part of CSMTech?
CSMTech currently takes up 2 of the 5 academic slots for a school year. Within those 2 slots students get their science, mathematics, and technology credits. The remaining 3 slots can be filled with other graduation requirements, foreign languages, band, choir or other electives. When scheduling conflicts occur, the Clarkston High School counseling staff has been able to adjust schedules to accommodate students' needs.
Does CSMTech offer Advanced Placement (AP) classes?
YES! We offer AP Calculus AB, AP Physics C, AP Chemistry, & AP Biology within our 11th and 12th grade curriculum.
How do colleges view CSMTech?
Colleges favorably view the CSMTech program. It is an advanced curriculum and our graduates have made a name for the program at most of the major colleges and universities in Michigan. Graduates from our program have also gained entry into prestigious math and science universities (i.e. MIT, RIT, Embry-Riddle) and Ivy League schools (i.e. Cornell). Seniors receive a CSMTech class profile that they can use to send along with transcripts when applying toward college admissions.
What career paths have students of CSMTech followed?
Career paths range from engineering to music and art. The top 3 career paths that our students follow are engineering, medical, and education. We do not focus on any particular careers in our curriculum. Instead, we try to expose our students to as much as we can so that they have a well rounded education and can make a choice that fits who they are.
What is a Super Saturday?
Super Saturday is an "out of the classroom" math, science or technology experience, which is a 1% grade for all three classes, math, science and technology. The purpose of this activity is for the student to experience what they are doing in the classroom outside of the classroom - as it pertains to the real world. Students are expected to put at least 2.5 hours into the experience - with a 1.5 page write-up documenting their experience. Examples of Super Saturday can include: going to Cranbrook Museum to explore the planets, or the Mummy exhibit at the Detroit Science Center, or going to a college visit and finding out what types of math/science degrees are offered ... the Super Saturday ideas are endless!
If I am a 9th grader in CSMTech, how do I get back and forth to the junior high?
Clarkston Community Schools provides a bus to and from CSMTech. If you ride the bus in the morning, you will get off at the high school instead of the junior high. If you walk to the junior high, you will ride the shuttle bus over to the high school in the morning. Once you have completed 1st and 2nd hours at CSMTech you will have a shuttle bus to return to the junior high for the remainder of your school day.
Does it cost anything to be part of CSMTech?
No, it does not cost anything to be part of CSMTech. We are part of Clarkston Community Schools which is a public school system.
Where is CSMTech housed?
We are housed at Clarkston High School. Our classrooms are located in the basement of the high school are are grouped together in the same hallway. This location gives us the freedom to expand our education outside the classroom and into the hallways and fresh air without disrupting other classes.
Supply List
Algebra 2: Quad ruled notebook and a graphing calculator. If you do not own a graphing calculator, please check one out at the library on the first day of school. They are distributed on a first come first served basis.
Geometry: Compass (metal preferably), small protractor, colored pencils, and a quad ruled notebook.
What Type of Calculator: Ideally, we support the TI-84 calculator. If you get a "TI-84 Plus Silver" that is the best of the TI-84 series. The Plus and the Silver give the calculator more bells and whistles, but it is not mandatory (just fun and fast). IF you cannot purchase one, we can check out a calculator for you for the year, but it will be a TI-83 to use at home. While at school, you will have access to a TI-84 school edition. Please, if you purchase a calculator this summer, save the bar-code on the back for us. We can turn them in for technology for the classroom.
Open Enrollment Opportunities
For more information about open enrollment, contact
Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services
namahoney@clarkston.k12.mi.us
248.623.5400
CHS Principal Gary Kaul
glkaul@clarkston.k12.mi.us
248.623.3600
Out of District Application
- The School of Choice application window for out of district students will open on Monday April 10, 2023 and remain open through Friday August 11, 2023 at 3 pm. To complete the School of Choice application visit, https://www.clarkston.k12.mi.us/enroll/open-enrollment