Why SEM?

Why should you consider the Science and Engineering magnet for your high school career?

Because it is one of the best schools in our nation! The School of Science and Engineering offers a college preparatory curriculum with a strong emphasis on mathematics / engineering, science, liberal arts and computer science.

We have achieved international recognition with our Advanced Placement Program and excel in helping our students succeed in some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world. We are a small school of about 400 students selected from applicants from the general DISD population. Admission is based upon a student’s achievements and interest.

Our Fast-Tracks in math, science, English and computer science allow SEM students to go at their own speed by taking double the number of classes. In math, for example, it makes the students eligible for calculus by either their sophomore or junior year.

Science, math and English concepts are integrated across all SEM’s curriculum. This demonstrates the interdependence of math, science and engineering technology.  SEM has its own electron micrope for student research and fully equipped engineering and robotics labs capable of college level experiemtns.

Our students have brought home back-to-back district UIL championships and state championships in UIL Computer Science and two “second in the world” recognitions at an international competition, American Computer Science League.

For five consecutive years, SEM has been the number one school in the nation for minorities passing calculus AB and BC exams regardless of size. We are the number one school in the world for students passing Calculus AB, according to the College Board.

We were rated as the #1 public high school in America by both Newsweek magazine (June 2011) and the Washington Post (May 2011).

On September 15, 2011, we were awarded a second National Blue Ribbon Award by NCLB. The first National Blue Ribbon Award was received in the fall of 2005.

Look through our web site and see if SEM is for you!