Prospective Students

Typical students in the program have a B average in math, science, and English classes in middle school and scores higher than 40 out of 72 on the KAMSC entrance exam.  However, teacher and counselor recommendations as well as writing samples are included in our scoring rubric. We are looking for self-motivated and responsible students who are ready for a high workload and rigorous high school experience.  Students must also be enrolled in Algebra I or higher in 8th grade to apply to KAMSC.  

You can’t and shouldn’t.  This isn’t meant to be a test you study for, but rather a test that measures your skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning skills that you already possess.  

All students in Kalamazoo County who are in Algebra I in 8th grade were sent a packet (likely received by households the week of 11/25) that has a link to sign up for testing.  Testing sites depend on what school you attend.  When you click on the signup link and select where you attend 8th grade the form will direct you to any locations you are able to test at.  

Students typically score around 40 or higher out of 72 on the entrance exam, but there are students who score in that high range that may not get it when their whole application is considered and there may be students slightly below 40 who may get in due to their whole application score.

You can stop there if you change your mind after the test. 

Results will be sent in about two weeks' time, you then will decide whether to apply.  Application materials will go live on our website for you to do so at that time.

Visit  kamsc.org/apply to find all the information and links to register for testing and apply to KAMSC (the application won’t be available until the end of January).

No staff members are involved in the process to keep it anonymous and objective.  We have a panel of outside professionals and educators from the local community that review the full application packet and entrance exam scores and score on a rubric to determine the total score for each student.  From there the top 84 are invited.  Some may be invited on a deferred as not all 84 may say “yes” in the end.

Here is a snapshot of the sequencing.  For complete course descriptions and information about electives please click here.

Roughly 80% of our students are finishing up Algebra I in 8th grade and so will enter our Math I course.  Of those students selected who are more advanced than that, they may enter into our Math II, Math III, or on rare occasions AP Calculus AB.  Even if a student completes two years of ATYP, they rarely are placed in Calculus I, most likely they will be placed in Math III.  Here is a visual of the math courses.  Students are asked to take an Algebra Exam after they are admitted and these scores, along with past coursework and past teacher recommendations are all considered when we place students into our math programming.

KAMSC staff have many events for freshmen to integrate and find their place here at KAMSC.  In general, all students will have opportunities to take a Math and Science Inquiry summer course (one week each in length) to prepare themselves.  KAMSC staff will let parents know if their student is recommended to attend.  We have a fun freshman orientation experience before school starts in August at the Kalamazoo Nature Center where upperclassmen and teachers take freshmen through a variety of fun activities to both get to know each other and to get to know KAMSC life.  Once school starts we host a freshman mixer in the evening to again get our freshmen back together and mingling with each other.  We also connect our freshmen with upperclassmen mentors that they can ask questions of or seek help from.  There are also many clubs that all students can join to be more a part of the KAMSC community.

MTSS stands for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.  We use this educational model to provide academic support for students who are earning below a 3.0 average for their KAMSC courses at each grade check conducted every three weeks.  If they are in need of support they are placed in a virtual study table.  If they continue to need support and move to a tier that requires more support then a 1:1 tutor may be provided.  Students do struggle at KAMSC and that is ok.  What we do with the struggle is what is important.  We will support your student.

Yes, we have both a half-time certified school counselor on staff  and two district therapists provided by Kalamazoo Public Schools who are each here part-time as well.  We make the schedule known to students and parents.

There is a newsletter sent every Friday afternoon to all students and parents.  All necessary information can be found in that including calendars of events, sign-up sheets for various opportunities, etc.  From time to time we may also send mass communication via email but we strive to do as much communication through our newsletter as possible so that it is very predictable and searchable for parents.

KAMSC is a rigorous program that requires on average at least 2 hours per night for homework.  Many students earn their first grade lower than an A at KAMSC.  However, many students do get straight A’s at KAMSC.  While we can’t predict how each child will do, what we can tell you is that most colleges understand the rigor here and honor that in some way and that our Alumni report back that just being at KAMSC for four years prepared them for college in a way that their peers may not have been.

KAMSC offers a unique four-year research experience. Each student participates in a sequential research program that integrates research techniques with their course subject matter. By senior year, students have a portfolio of research work to share with colleges and future employers.

Research outcomes include:

• Practice scientific research methods
• Access and assess reliable sources of information
• Conduct a science literature review
• Collaborate on experimental design
• Write professional reports, papers, and posters
• Participate in conferences
• Present research findings through poster sessions
• Use statistical analysis techniques
• Experience high school STEM competitions

Maybe.  Some students bring lunch, some request lunch from KPS, and some go back to their partner school in time for lunch and eat there.  Some eat on the bus and some eat here.