MT. AIRY — Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School is accepting applications for the 2018-19 school year.

To be eligible, students in kindergarten through third grade must have one of the following:

• Score 75 percent (mastery) or above on the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District’s K-2 Quarter 3 Benchmarks.

• Meet Bulletin 1508 for Gifted Exceptionality.

• Obtain a proficient score on the district’s K-3 Entrance Exam.

Students in grades fourth through eighth must one of the following:

• Have maintained at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA prior to entry.

• Have maintained at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and earned mastery or above in math or science on the most recent standardized exams.

Applications and more information are available at stjohn.k12.la.us.

The deadline to apply is June 7.

Students at Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School are issued personalized learning programs designed to place them on track to take full advantage of high school advanced math courses beyond Algebra II as early as sophomore year.

School District leader said studies show engaging in such courses has a profound impact on overall ACT composite scores, which translate into more opportunities for students.

The school’s Discovery Center is equipped with hands-on learning resources and technology for students in grades K-5, while middle school students engage in project-based learning activities to prepare them for more advanced problem solving, particularly in areas of STEM (Science, Math, Engineering and Technology).

The school’s science program provides instruction focusing on student experiments.

The program teaches students how to engage in a community of learners, focusing on inquiry, which will lead to critical thinking.

There are two science labs on campus, and classes have the opportunity to explore science by participating in weekly labs.

Technology is an integral component of the educational programs at GMMS.

Technology is available to students for engaging in online courses, research projects, creating documents, reporting scientific observations, collecting and organizing data.