The STEM High School Subjects I Benefited From
Discover how a STEM high school encourages scientific innovation, curiosity, and creativity. Learn how faith-based education will prepare you for a future in science and research.
Written by Tess Pacetti ‘26
Is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program right for you? At St. Agnes Academy, students explore these subjects in ways that provide a foundation for critical thinking, leadership experience, and long-lasting curiosity.
As Academy women, we are encouraged to apply the lessons and concepts we learn in class to the world around us. From complex physics problems to molecular biology concepts to analytical computer skills, the content taught in classrooms can be applied to any field.
Our STEM high school emphasizes St. Agnes Academy’s mission of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity within a faith-based learning environment. Learn more below about how our STEM programs will benefit your high school education.
What Does STEM Mean In An All-Girls High School?
STEM programs combine science and math-based concepts and encourage learning with a project-based approach. Students gain opportunities to improve their collaboration and communication skills through academic group work.
Students design experiments, analyze data, and create conclusions. The technical skills they learn help make more confident and self-assured leaders of tomorrow. Encouraging curiosity and creativity will serve us well both in high school and beyond in college.
My experience as a student at St. Agnes has inspired me to pursue a career in biology and medical sciences. The logical thinking skills from mathematics and the intellectual curiosity from my science courses have enabled me to succeed in any environment.
St. Agnes has shown me how faith and STEM work together to foster creative innovators and compassionate leaders of the future.
How Our STEM High School Program Encourages Curiosity
Our science program provides foundational skills for an in-depth understanding of complex STEM concepts. Through collaboration, communication, and innovation, students gain a deeper knowledge of how to succeed as leaders in science and math.
A hands-on learning approach that encourages problem-solving skills improves teamwork, builds sisterhood, and prepares students to approach challenges creatively. Through designing, analyzing, and recording lab experiments, students develop patience and observational skills.
The lab and research experience gained through our STEM curriculum are critical to the future success of Academy women in professional settings. Below are some examples of STEM classes offered at St. Agnes:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Calculus
- Physics
- Geometry
- Genetics
- Organic Chemistry
What Technology and Computer Science Courses Do We Offer?
St. Agnes offers multiple technology-focused and computer science-based courses to encourage modern innovation. The classes focus on the fundamentals of coding, digital design, and online programming.
Technology courses foster collaboration and communication as students engage with complex concepts and challenges. Working with their peers, the class encourages creativity, idea sharing, and discovery.
As a student, the technology and computer skills I have learned in my STEM classes will benefit me in college and in my career. I have developed an appreciation for data analysis, graphing, and handling lab equipment, which are necessary skills for succeeding and being academically prepared for the future.
Building Foundational Mathematics Skills and Concepts
Mathematics is critical in all fields – from business to medicine – and the understanding and mastery of advanced math is necessary for success. It provides a foundational base for further learning and ensures students are prepared for real-world analysis.
Through courses like Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, and Calculus, students:
- Build problem-solving and critical thinking skills applicable across multiple fields.
- Encourage intellectual curiosity for lab experiments, design, and scientific analysis.
- Strengthen data analysis skills and encourage technological collaboration for research projects.
- Connect scientific concepts across multiple fields and real-world experience.
- Gain confidence and leadership skills as the future leaders of tomorrow!
Developing Leadership Experience and Real-World Application
Through taking initiative in class, students gain more than academic excellence. They build confidence through tackling complex challenges, communicating clearly, and making thoughtful observations.
Collaboration, innovation, and leadership have meaningful applications far beyond the classroom. In research, medicine, business, engineering, and beyond, our academy women can apply these skills to make impactful discoveries that change the world.
What Is Our Faithful Purpose As An Academy Woman?
At St. Agnes Academy, our mission combines both intellectual innovation and faith. The Catholic Dominican values encourage academic excellence and scientific discovery to prepare its students for impactful stewardship and compassionate service in the community.
The STEM programs allow students to make important and significant contributions to the world. Through patience, creativity, and integrity, our students approach complex global issues in the classroom and beyond.
How My STEM Experience Has Created Meaningful Impact
My experience has deeply impacted me, not only in my academic excellence but also in how I approach the world around me. My scientific discovery has encouraged me to be bold and creative in my research and experiments. I understand science in the context of impactful innovation to foster purposeful, positive change in my community.
Whether I am collaborating on a group lab or solving advanced math problems in class, my STEM experience empowers me to become a more confident and capable student. Finding inspiring solutions for challenging issues through observation and perseverance is one of the many important benefits of a STEM education program.
The most important lesson St. Agnes has taught me is how faith and scientific discovery combine to create real-world change. Through integrity, critical thinking, and compassionate leadership, I hope to pursue a career in biology that allows me to contribute to meaningful discovery and serve others.
Learn More About STEM Programs At St. Agnes Academy
The STEM programs at St. Agnes Academy have encouraged open communication and collaboration while developing essential research skills. The meaningful impacts of our education will foster a more confident, capable, and creative leader of tomorrow!
From my experience, STEM programs equip students with skills applicable across fields – from biology to chemistry to business. The scientific innovation through experimental lab designs and data analysis will prepare our academy women for college and their careers beyond.
To learn more about our STEM high school and opportunities, visit our Academics page or reach out to our Admissions team for more information.
