We would like to thank everyone for their interest in STEM Middle School. Below is information about how admission will work for the 2026-27 school year.
Please note, most students do NOT need to apply. Current fifth-grade students in the district will be invited if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Timeline
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Application link posted on the STEM website for the two groups of students who need to apply. Applications are needed from current fifth grade students who live in Dearborn Public Schools but do not attend a district school and in-district sixth grade students who want to be considered for any seventh grade openings.
Current Dearborn Schools fifth grade students do NOT need to apply. We will send invitations to the students who qualify based on their M-STEP and winter i-Ready scores. (See admission criteria below.)
STEM does not accept students who live outside of the Dearborn Public Schools district.
January 5 -15, 2026
iReady tests administered to all district fifth grade students.
January 26, 2026
The district Assessment Department forwards to the STEM principal the in-district testing results and the names of students who qualify via the alternative pathway.
February 9, 2026
Online applications closed for those who need to apply.
February 17, 2026
Invitation letters for students who qualify are sent via email to parents, students, and elementary school principals.
February 24, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Virtual Q and A held for invited students and parents.
March 13, 2026
Deadline for students who were invited to STEM to respond. Those who fail to respond will not be included in the lottery to receive a seat.
March 23, 2026
Parents will be sent an automated email with an assigned number for their child prior to the lottery.
March 27, 2026
Lottery will be held and acceptance and waitlist letters sent via email to parents, students and elementary school principals. The lottery will be live-streamed on the district YouTube channel for parents interested in watching.
April 8, 2026
Final day for students accepted to STEM to confirm they will attend.
STEM Admissions criteria
STEM school provides an accelerated learning pathway for middle school students, while following the middle school curriculum and resources adopted across the district.
Students can qualify for sixth grade admission through one of two pathways.
Pathway 1
Most students qualify via this method. The student must:
- Score in the 80th percentile or above on both the math and reading winter iReady tests given in January, and
- Score Proficient (Level 3) or Advanced (Level 4) on the fourth grade English and math M-STEP.
Pathway 2
Current Dearborn Public School fifth grade students who have documented opt-out of standardized testing must meet all of the following criteria.
- Score a 1 in all areas of reading and math in marking period 2,
- Receive a teacher and administrator recommendation of eligibility, including showing the student is on track to be successful in advanced math, and
- Score proficient or advanced on a STEM admission writing prompt.
Any questions can be directed to:
Mr. Oussama Baydoun – Principal at baydouo@dearbornschools.org
Lead Teacher Ms. Jennifer Fryzel at fryzelj@dearbornschools.org