Frequently Asked Questions

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Engineering and Biotech students commit to taking 2 science courses each year for all 4 years which is the equivalent of 8 years of science. 

Art In Science students commit to taking 1 science and 1 art class each year for all 4 years. 

In addition to the application score, we will be looking at transcripts with an emphasis on math and science grades, attendance of 90% or higher and a favorable disciplinary history.

If you live outside of NUSD boundaries, you will need to apply for an INTER-District transfer. Transfer paperwork will be available online and at the Novato School District office starting on November 1st. Students who live in Novato, but San Marin is not your neighborhood school must submit an INTRA-District transfer. More Transfer information can be found on the TRANSFER PAGE LINKED HERE

Students may apply to as many STEM Pathways as they wish. However, please note the following:

• If a student is offered a placement, it will only be in one pathway.
• Students will not be able to choose which pathway they are placed in. 
• Once placed, we are unable to move students to a different pathway.
• Applying to multiple pathways does not increase the likelihood of being accepted.
   

We encourage students to review the program section of our website, which includes unit descriptions and four-year course progressions for each pathway. Exploring this information carefully can help you identify the pathway that best aligns with your interests.

YES! All pathways have Science/STEM electives built into your schedule. We offer AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics, and AP Computer Science as AP Science electives. You can also take any non-science course AP as usual (AP English, AP History, etc.). 

• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• AP Physics
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Computer Science
• Biotechnology 1
• Marine Biology
• Psychology
• Sports Medicine 1 & 2
• Additional Math Courses (some restrictions may apply)
• CTE Classes (some restrictions may apply)
• Community College courses (some restrictions may apply)
• Work Experience or Internships (some restrictions may apply)

• AP Art
• Advanced Art
• Multimedia Design
• Orchestra/Band
• Choir/Music Performance
• Drama/Musical Theater
• Journalism
• Yearbook
• Community College Courses (some restrictions may apply)
• Work Experience or Internships (some restrictions may apply)
• CTE Classes (some restrictions may apply)

Our enrollment offers vary each year depending on staffing demands. However, we usually offer placement to about 60 Engineering students, 60 Biotech students and 30 Art in Science (STEAM) students.

No, students do not need to reapply every year. However, we do ask all students to agree to a CODE OF CONDUCT when they accept placement. Grades, attendance, a history of good citizenship and academic integrity are all requirements to remain in the STEM Program. Should a student violate the code of conduct, action will be taken at the discretion of the staff and administration. 

Students who are not offered placement will receive a letter describing which criteria was not met on their application. Those who wish to appeal will have to submit a form along with a statement written by the student. The statement will need to specifically address the criteria that was not met and explain why they feel their application should be reconsidered. In an effort to ensure the integrity of our application process, the appeals committee is comprised of members who were not involved in the initial STEM Marin application scoring or decisions. Our STEM Coordinator, Katie Stafford, can be contacted for appeals information include appeals deadlines and forms: kstafford@nusd.org

Students who are placed on a waitlist will be sent a letter with their waitlist position. When a spot becomes available, we will call the students in order to fill the spot. Please make sure your phone numbers and email addresses on the application are accurate. We will keep student waitlists active until school starts. After that, we will no longer make changes to our rosters.