FAQ - Salt Lake Center for Science Education

Frequently Asked Questions

My high school student is interested in being on a sports team, how would that work at SLCSE?
We offer a wide variety of physical activities at SLCSE including kayaking, biking, climbing and snowshoeing. SLCSE has its own mountain bike team with the option compete in statewide races. We have students interested in playing competitive sports during high school. SLCSE does its best to accommodate this desire by flexible scheduling of classes in the afternoons so that students can be released early from school to make practice and games at their neighborhood high school. Currently, we have students who leave early for baseball, volleyball, basketball, swimming, and football.

Do you have AP classes?
Currently, students can take AP classes in Psychology, Calculus, Comparative Government and Politics, European History, and Environmental Science. Classes at SLCSE allow for hands on experiences, authentic research projects and real world application. Faculty adheres to these guiding principles when teaching any AP class: in all classes we offer a rigorous curriculum that focuses on high-level thinking and processing skills, collaboration and reflection.

What is unique about the science curriculum at SLCSE?
Science classes are taught as a double block. All Freshman take Physics because it builds the best foundation for the study of Chemistry as a sophomore and then Biology as a junior. Seniors are strongly encouraged to take a fourth year of science either AP Environmental Science, Agricultural Science or Medical Anatomy. In addition, SLCSE offers an Advanced Science Research class where students are involved in science research often in a University lab. SLCSE students consistently compete and excel at State level science competitions. At the end of every academic year, all students work on science and engineering projects for a month, culminating in one big showcase of learning during the last week of school.

What social opportunities are there at SLCSE?
At SLCSE, we believe that students need social outlets in which they can engage with their peers. Students organize dances, SLCSE Spirit activities, participate in camping trips, advisory activities, a Junior class trip to Washington DC, and numerous service projects. As a small school, students take initiative to plan and organize a range of experiences.

What if my student fails a class?
Our small school environment means that each student is well known and closely monitored for signs of academic failure. Each student is treated individually and an educational plan tailored to the needs of the individual is developed that may include after-school seminars, summer school and independent study.

Does SLCSE offer concurrent enrollment classes?
SLCSE students have the opportunity to enroll at the Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), University of Utah, or Westminster provided they have their own transportation and space in their school schedule. SLCC offers concurrent classes, available to SLCSE students for $5 per credit. These courses are offered at the community college campuses around the valley.

What elective choices might I find at SLCSE?
We offer engaging, academically focused, high-quality electives that make connections with the core classes taught at our school. Our electives change every year depending on student interest and faculty availability. Over the years we have offered a range of courses including Medical Anatomy and Physiology, Agricultural Science, Digital Media, Jewelry, Sculpture, Psychology, Computer Programming, Equine Therapy, Creative Writing, Life Hacks and Bike Shop. Some electives are offered every year while others alternate years. We are always looking to add new courses based on faculty and student interest, including Photography and Instrumental Music

Will my student be able to get Driver’s Ed?
Yes.

How do you get my student ready for college?
SLCSE offers a rigorous and relevant curriculum taught by dedicated and highly qualified teachers. Students work in a safe learning environment that encompasses critical thinking, collaboration, reflection and an emphasis on academic writing. As a result, SLCSE students are not intimidated by hard problems, they take healthy risks, seek out academic challenges.

Every student begins working on a personal statement for college applications in their junior year. The following year, they are placed in a Senior Seminar class where they receive mentoring in college searches, college applications, financial aid and scholarship applications. Seniors also complete a Senior Project of their choice where they are required to write an academic college-level research paper. Additionally, we offer many opportunities for students to interact with University faculty and students through guest speakers, scientist in the classroom programs, research experiences and campus visits.

Our alumni are currently enrolled at Amherst College, Carleton College, Columbia University, Lewis and Clark, Montana State University, Oberlin College, University of Utah, Westminster College, Utah State University, and Salt Lake Community College.

SLCSE students have been highly successful in acquiring scholarships. Last year they collectively were awarded $4 million.

What extracurricular options are there for my student?
Homework Hall is open every day after school where students can meet with a teacher to get academic help. We have an active MESA club, mountain bike team, National History Day, Visible Light club and social action association.

What sets SLCSE apart from other high schools ?
SLCSE focuses on application of learning and less on rote memorization of facts

SLCSE guides students to learning with an open mindset, to embrace mistakes and failures as opportunities to learn. Students are pushed to develop their ability to be flexible, adaptable, and persistent.

SLCSE focuses on students understanding themselves as learners - appreciating what they are good at and developing other areas of need

SLCSE works to prepare students with skills that will be useful, not just in post-secondary education, but also in life

SLCSE students value the diversity of their school and embrace different points of view – they develop a strong sense of the value of working together

SLCSE does not try to be everything to everybody. It is a place for students that want to embrace their academic preparation in an environment that is fun, values them as an individual, and pushes them to be the best they can be.

The expectation at SLCSE is that ALL students deserve a rigorous curriculum and that all students can be successful if given the supports they, as an individual, need