Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts
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The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is a two-year, public residential high school located in Natchitoches, Louisiana on the campus of Northwestern State University. It is a member of the NCSSSMST. The school was the brainchild of Republican Governor Dave Treen, who modeled the school after similar institutions in the country.
Academically, the school is modeled on the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Studies focus on mathematics, science, and the humanities, including AP and AP-equivalent courses. Unlike other math and science high schools, it has an arts program, with instruction in music, theater, and visual art. As it recruits students from all of Louisiana, it can be described as a statewide magnet school.
The school was founded in the early 1980s with backing from Governor David C. Treen. The first class enrolled as juniors in 1983 and graduated in 1985.
Prospective students apply during the fall of their sophomore year. Applicants submit application forms, grade transcripts, SAT or ACT results, and three letters of recommendation. Applicants to the arts curriculum also submit a portfolio of artwork or audition. Also, a small number of students in their junior year for may apply for admission for their senior year only.
Students who attend LSMSA live in dormitories away from their families, much like college students. The dormitories are single-sex; girls in Caddo Hall and boys in Prudhomme Hall. As of 2004, intervisitation is not allowed: students may enter only the lobby and common areas of the opposite-sex dorm. The students are supervised by full-time student life advisors.
Students must agree to the following honor code pledge:
As a student of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, I understand that I belong to an institution dedicated to the pursuit of learning. Thus, I promise to uphold the Honor Code that safeguards this pursuit. I accept my personal duty to promote an honorable attitude in my academic life by refraining from lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarizing, or vandalizing.
Selected Alumni
- Andre Dehon (1986) - Nanotechnology pioneer, assistant professor of computer science at Caltech
- D. Stephen Voss (1986) - Federal Elections Project principal investigator, assistant professor professor of political science at University of Kentucky
- Keith Nicewarmer (1986) - Robotics engineer at NASA Ames Research Center, supervisor of Personal Satellite Assistant robot designed for the International Space Station
- Stephen Lazarus (1988) - Senior Policy Associate at the Center for Public Justice
- Mary Ellen Slayter - Career advice columnist for the Washington Post
See also
- North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
- Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
- National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology
External links
- LSMSA website (http://www.lsmsa.edu/)
- LSMSA Alumni Association (http://www.lsmsaaa.org/)