Math Science Application 2014

math & science
Alabama School of Fine Arts

ASFA has a unique mission unlike any other public school in Alabama or most other states. ASFA exists exclusively for students who wish to pursue
an extraordinary passion in one of six specialty areas of study. The quality of our advanced specialty curricula is superior and taught at collegelevel, and the requirements and expectations of our specialty areas are intensive and demanding. In order for us to exist and thrive, we also
provide the 4 x 4 academic courses of study as required by the Alabama State Board of Education for an advanced high school diploma. While we
are proud of our core academic offerings and their quality*, prospective students and parents must understand that core academics serve a role
of supporting our students in making them college-ready while they focus on their intensive specialty area.
*Our core academics are of high quality and thoroughly prepare students for college while exceeding the minimum requirements of a national
common core or standards based curriculum, although we do not adhere to a prescribed curricular program. Many of our core courses are taught at
advanced, honors levels without carrying standardized labels such as advanced placement or international baccalaureate. Annually, ASFA
students gain acceptance to top tier colleges, universities, arts institutes and professional performance companies and earn more scholarship money
than most other students in the state.
The Math/Science Department at ASFA
The focus in every class in the Mathematics and Science Program at the Alabama School of Fine Arts is hands-on, technology-based teaching and
learning. Each major course is taught at an honors level and leads, when appropriate, to Advanced Placement examinations. Every student is
required to take honors courses in biology, chemistry, physics, the full mathematics sequence through calculus, and the computer science principles
Many students choose to take AP courses in other academic subjects as well.
Profile of a Successful Math/Science Student
Has a natural curiosity and interest in learning
Has exceptional ability in math and/or science
Is truly passionate about math and science
Actively participates in classes on a daily basis
Works effectively in groups, as well as independently
Is willing to dedicate the time to be successful in an accelerated math/science program
Is involved in departmental and school-wide activities outside the classroom
Is respectful and appreciative of, and concerned about, fellow ASFA students
Is of high character and acts as a role model for other students
Is reliable, honest, and demonstrates leadership qualities
Mission Statement
The mission of the Alabama School of Fine Arts, a diverse community of explorers,
is to nurture impassioned students by guiding and inspiring them to discover and fulfill their individual creative abilities in an atmosphere
distinguished by the fusion of fact and feeling, risk and reward, art and science, school and society.
Accommodation Statement
ASFA was created by the State to provide a more challenging education for talented and gifted students. Consistent with its mission only those
students will be admitted to ASFA and allowed to remain who are able to meet the demands of a rigorous curriculum. Applicants with existing
Individualized Education Plans (IEP) are obliged to inform ASFA administration during the application period. If a disabling condition is substantiated
before or after enrollment, a committee appointed by the Executive Director will determine if the school can accommodate and if the student may
remain at ASFA.
ALABAMA
SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd. Birmingham, Alabama 35203 205.252.9241 or 800.473.2732 (AL only)
205.458-0342 (fax) * email: mlee@asfa.k12.al.us www.asfa.k12.al.us
math & science

About the
The Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) operates as a public secondary school with the entire state as its district. Situated in Birmingham, the
population center of Alabama, ASFA offers residential facilities for students who are beyond commuting distance. The ASFA campus is in downtown
Birmingham and is a major part of the Cultural District.
Partially residential, publicly funded secondary school grades 7-12
Semester system, modified block schedule (90 minute block periods only in specialty areas)
Extended school day from 7:55 am until 4:40 pm with 6 periods running 45 minutes each and two specialty periods running 90
minutes each
Extended school day and departmental activities, on evenings and Weekends, preclude sports and other extracurricular
activities
College preparatory curriculum in core academics
Specialty courses (those listed in departmental profiles) are open only to students within those departments
Member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling; The College Board; The International Network of
Performing and Visual Arts Schools; The Alabama Association of School Boards; The National Consortium for Specialized
Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and the Coalition of Essential Schools
Enrollment for 2012-2013 school year 354
Average GPA: 3.502 un-weighted, 3.982 weighted
ACT Scores: ASFA (26.2) State (20.3) National (21.1)
SAT Scores: Reading
614(ASFA) 538 (State) 496 (National)
Mathematics 594 (ASFA) 531 (State) 514 (National)
Writing
598 (ASFA) 527 (State) 488 (National)
2013 ASFA Seniors (65) awarded over $10.4 million in college scholarships and grants
2005, 2006, and 2011 (2 students) Presidential Scholars
Three National Merit Scholars and One National Achievement Scholar
Gates Millennium Scholar
National YoungArts Foundation Finalists in Creative Writing, Theatre Arts and Visual Arts
Faculty: full time 73; part-time and adjunct 26
Seven teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
ALABAMA
SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
math & science

information
Frequently Asked Questions
Return on or before
the deadline
January 15, 2010
When is the best time to apply to ASFA?

Our applications are available in October and the deadline is January 31, 2014.
Can I apply to more than one department?
No. ASFA is looking for students who are passionate and serious about a particular specialty program.
What is the cost?
We are a public school. There is no tuition for Alabama residents. There is a $250 Math/Science fee that is due once a year.
The fee schedule is located on the ASFA Web site at www.asfa.k12.al.us.
How do classes work each day?
Students have eight class periods and one lunch period each day. Six class periods are academic periods of about 45
minutes. Students meet the last three hours of the day in their Math/Science classes.
What time are Math/Science students dismissed each day?
Students in 8th grade are dismissed at 3:12 pm. Grades 9-12 are dismissed at 4:40 pm.
What classes are offered in the Math/Science Department?
8th grade Honors Algebra I and Honors Chemistry
9th grade Honors Geometry, Honors Physics and Honors Biology
10th grade Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry and AP Chemistry
11th grade AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics 11 and AP Biology
12th grade AP Statistics 12, Linear Algebra and AP Physics
In addition, students are encouraged to take a one-period Math/Science elective each semester, and one year of
programming and successful completion of a Senior Research Project is required.
How well do Math/Science students do on AP exams?
Over 91% of all AP exams taken by the students have been graded at 3 or higher with approximately 46% at 5. The number of
exams taken by an individual student ranges from 6 to 8, with the average being 8.
How many students are accepted each year?
The number varies each year according to space available in the department and the overall school enrollment.
Does the Alabama School of Fine Arts offer bus service?
Unfortunately, no. Our students are from so many different locales that it would be impossible to run a bus service. We do
have carpool lists available.
When are auditions held?
Auditions will be held March 15, 2014.
How soon after the audition will I know if I have been accepted?
Letters will be mailed on March 21, 2014.
What is the Student Shadow Program at ASFA?
It offers a prospective student an opportunity to experience a typical day at ASFA.
Go to www.asfa.k12.al.us, click on Apply to ASFA, click on Visit ASFA, click on ASFA Shadow Form.
ALABAMA
SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
math & science
Return on or before
application procedure
the deadline
15, 2010
To apply to the Math/Science Department at ASFA, you must be a rising 8th11th grader. There are limited openings in 10thJanuary
and 11th grade.
Student Application: complete and submit online to ASFA by the deadline.
Student Essays: When writing the essay portion of your application, let your personality emerge. Demonstrate your sensitivity, sense of humor,
insight and love of math and science in your responses. The essays must be completed by the student and handwritten in black ink. This form is
to be mailed to address below.
Application Fee: $50.00 non-refundable application fee must be paid when the application is submitted by the deadline.
Parent Questionnaire: Form must be completed, electronically signed by the parent and submitted online prior to the deadline.
Teacher Recommendation Forms (3): Forms must be electronically signed by the parent and student before forms are submitted to the teachers
to complete. Forms must be completed by your current English, Math and Science teachers. Submit these forms to the appropriate teachers.
Recommendations must be received by the deadline.
School Information Form: Form must be electronically signed by the parent and student before the form is submitted to the Principal or Guidance
Counselor at your school to complete. The transcripts and tests may be scanned and e-mailed to mlee@asfa.k12.al.us, faxed to 205-458-0342 or
mailed to the address below. This form and all of the requested information must be completed and returned to ASFA by the deadline.
Student History Form: You may complete this form or complete the top section and attach your rsum to it. This form needs to be submitted by
the deadline.
Only completed applications received by the deadline will be reviewed. We will contact you if anything is missing from your application. When
the audition committee reaches a decision, we will notify you.
Any information submitted by mail should be sent to:
Brad Hill
1800 Rev Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.
Birmingham, AL 35203
For questions about your application contact
Melanie Lee
205.252-9241 or 800.473-2732 (AL only)
205.458-0342 (fax number)
e-mail: mlee@asfa.k12.al.us
For questions about specific audition requirements contact
Hungsin Chin
Supervisory Chair, Math/Science Department
e-mail: hchin@asfa.k12.al.us
If You Are Invited to Audition
If your application is selected for audition, you will be required to come to ASFA on March 15, 2014. On that day, students will take the SAT:1
Reasoning Test which shows academic potential, as well as a mathematics diagnostic test for potential placement into our program. Students also
will participate in a 45 minute group interview. Attendance is mandatory. Failure to attend will result in non-admission. If you are unable to attend,
please contact Melanie Lee, 205.252-9241 ext 2249, no later than February 28th to request alternative arrangements. Based on the facultys review
of completed application forms, interview, and test scores, students will be accepted to enter the program. We strongly recommend that all students
coming into our program attend our summer enrichment program. Please note that this summer program does carry a fee.
Complete and
submit online by
January 31, 2014
math & science

student history form
Student Name:______________________________________________
Grade (next year)__________
Return on or before
the deadline
February 1, 2007
List and describe up to four (4) advanced mathematics or science activities, courses, or summer programs in which you have been
involved. Do not list regular school courses.
Description of activity, course or program
Date/Duration
Sponsoring School/Institution
List and describe up to four (4) extra-curricular activities in which you have been involved either in school or in the community.
Description of activity
Date/Duration
List and describe up to four (4) awards, certificates or other honors you have won in academics or other areas.
Description of award, certificate or honor
Date/Duration
What Math course are you currently taking?

(i.e. Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Geometry)
List the title of your current Mathematics and Science textbooks.

Course Title
ALABAMA
Name of Textbook
SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd. Birmingham, Alabama 35203 205.252.9241 or 800.473.2732 (AL only) 205.458-0342 (fax)
email: mlee@asfa.k12.al.us www.asfa.k12.al.us
STUDENT APPLICATION
You may apply for one department only. Mark X by the department you are applying.
___CREATIVE WRITING
___ DANCE
___MATH/SCIENCE
___MUSIC
___THEATRE ARTS
___VISUAL ART
SECTION 1: BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Student last name
First name
Street address where student resides

Home phone
Middle name
City
Date of birth
State
Age
Zip
Grade next year
Parent Guardian 1
Parent Guardian 2
Address ( if different from applicants address)
Address ( if different from applicants address)
City
State & Zip
City
State & Zip
Home phone
Cell Phone
Home phone
Cell Phone
Work #
E-mail
Work #
E-mail
SECTION 2: CURRENT SCHOOL INFORMATION

Name of school
Type of school: public, private, home
Name of principal
School street address
School Phone #
School city/state/zip
School fax #
Name of counselor
Name of recommending teacher
SECTION 3: CERTIFICATION
We certify that the information given herein is true and accurate.
Student signature ___________________________________________ Date______________________
Parent signature/date________________________________________ Date______________________
Application Fee
$50
ALABAMA SCHOOL OF
No Application
Accepted After
January 31, 2014
FINE ARTS
205.458-0342 (fax) email: mlee@asfa.k12.al.us www.asfa.k12.al.us
Student Essays (to be handwritten by the student, in black ink, and mailed to :
Brad Hill
1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.
1.
Describe yourself to us, including something you think is special about yourself, or something you have done
which has made you particularly proud.
2.
Tell us why you want to attend the Alabama School of Fine Arts.
PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE
It is very important to us that we make sure that ASFA and your student are right for each other. We have
designed these questions and forms to help make that determination. Thank you for your help!
Student Name:____________________________ Grade:______ Department:____________

Why do you want your daughter/son to attend ASFA instead of having a more normal high school
experience?
Why do you think your child would do well in a program such as ours?
Does your child have characteristics that need special attention?
If you or your child were unhappy or dissatisfied with something at school, what would you do? What
would you do if you werent satisfied with a school solution/decision affecting her/him?
Does your child have any special emotion needs?
What do you see as your role in your childs success at ASFA? What do you think you, as a parent,
can do to help your child succeed here? Or, what are you willing to do to help ensure your childs
success here?
Has your child had any discipline or attendance issues at school? If so, explain
How did you find out about our school, and how much do you know about our program?
Please print parent name
Parents signature
Please feel free to add attachments if you need more space.
TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM

Student last name
Page 1 of 2
First name
Home phone
Department
INFORMATION RELEASE
(TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT AND PARENT/GUARDIAN ):

I, the undersigned, hereby waive my right to review any comments or information in this recommendation and
supporting documents.
Student Signature:
Parent Signature:
TO THE RECOMMENDING TEACHER:
Your assessment of this student is very important in the

selection process. This information is to be used for application purposes only and will not be released to parent or
student. Please complete other side of form too.
Name of Recommending Teacher
Course Taught Student
School
School Phone
NO APPLICATION ACCEPTED AFTER January 31, 2014
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Average
Below
Average
No Basis for
Judgment
1%
5%
10%
15%
20%
Other
General intelligence
Motivation to succeed
Potential to succeed
Creativity (ability to think in new ways)
Ethical leadership
Independence (ability to work alone on
extended projects)
Maturity (compared to others the same age)
Willingness to accept challenges
Social adaptability (willingness to accept
others as they are)
Willingness to take responsibility
Emotional stability
Ability to work effectively in groups
Ability to stay on task
Study skills
Oral communication skills
Among students I have taught in my career,
this student ranks in the top: (circle one)
Please complete 2nd page of form
ALABAMA SCHOOL OF
FINE ARTS
ESSAY QUESTIONS (To be completed by the recommending teacher):
Page 2 of 2
1. Describe your class experience with the applicant with specific emphasis on the students ability to think abstractly.
2. Please comment on this students commitment to extra work beyond the normal classroom load.
3. Please use this space to provide any other information you think we should have in order to make the best decision
regarding this student.
We appreciate your thoughtful completion of this form.

deadline.
PLEASE SUBMIT THE FORM ONLIINE before the
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher Signature and Date

Student last name:
Page 1 of 2
First name:
Home phone:
Department:
INFORMATION RELEASE
(TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANTAND PARENT/GUARDIAN):

Student Signature:
Parent Signature:

selection process. This information is to be used for application purposes only and will not be released to parent or
student. Please complete other side of form too.
Name of Recommending Teacher:
Course Taught Student:
School:
School Phone:
NO APPLICATION ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 31, 2014
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Average
Below
Average
No Basis for
Judgment
1%
5%
10%
15%
20%
Other
Ethical leadership
extended projects)
others as they are)
Emotional stability
Study skills
Please complete page 2 of form
ALABAMA
SCHOOL OF FINE
ARTS
ESSAY QUESTIONS (To be completed by the recommending teacher or counselor):
Page 2 of 2
We appreciate your thoughtful completion of this form. PLEASE SUBMIT THIS FORM, online, before the deadline.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Student last name
Page 1 of 2
Home phone
Department
First name
INFORMATION RELEASE

Student Signature
Parent Signature

selection process. This information is to be used for application purposes only and will not be released to parent
or student. Please complete other side of form too.
Name of Recommending Teacher
Course Taught Student
School
School Phone
NO APPLICATION ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 31, 2014
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Average
Below
Average
No Basis for
Judgment
1%
5%
10%
15%
20%
Other
Ethical leadership
extended projects)
others as they are)
Emotional stability
Study skills
Please complete page 2 of form
ALABAMA
SCHOOL OF FINE
ARTS
ESSAY QUESTIONS (To be completed by the recommending teacher or counselor):
Page 2 of 2
We appreciate your thoughtful completion of this form. PLEASE SUBMIT THIS FORM ONLINE BEFORE THE
DEADLINE.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
TO: PRINCIPAL OR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

A D M I S S I O N S A P P L I C A T I O N: S C H O O L I N F O R M A T I O N
Student last name
First name
Department Applying to
INFORMATION RELEASE

I, the undersigned, hereby waive my right to review any of the requested information and supporting documents.
Student Signature
Parent Signature
TO THE PRINCIPAL AND/OR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR: The student named above has applied for
admission to the Alabama School of Fine Arts, a public specialty high school located in Birmingham,
Alabama. Please complete this form and send it along with the following information:
Prior years transcripts grades 6 and up
1st semester grade reports from the current year
Test scores or comparable national evaluation scores
*HOME-SCHOOLED APPLICANTS the following information is required:
Official transcripts from each traditional school attended

Titles and descriptions of courses (including topics) of courses completed in each year of homeschooling
A course-by-course listing of credits earned and tests used
Documentation verifying mastery of coursework
Results of nationally recognized standardized achievement tests taken
This information may be scanned and emailed to mlee@asfa.k12.al.us, faxed to 205-458-0342 or mailed to:
Mr. Brad Hill
Director, Curriculum & Instruction
1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.
Information must be
received by
January 31, 2014
This information is to be used for application purposes only

School Name
School Phone
Type of School (public, private, boarding,*home-schooled)
School Fax #
School mailing address (street)

School mailing address (city, state, zip)
Principals name:
Counselors name
Name of school personnel completing this form:
ALABAMA
SCHOOL OF FINE
ARTS

Math Science Application 2014

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math & science

Alabama School of Fine Arts

SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

math & science

SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

math & science

When is the best time to apply to ASFA?

SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

math & science

math & science

Grade (next year)__________

What Math course are you currently taking?

List the title of your current Mathematics and Science textbooks.

SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

SECTION 1: BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Street address where student resides

Grade next year

Address ( if different from applicants address)

Address ( if different from applicants address)

State & Zip

State & Zip

SECTION 2: CURRENT SCHOOL INFORMATION

Type of school: public, private, home

School street address

Name of recommending teacher

Name of recommending teacher

Name of recommending teacher

Student Name:____________________________ Grade:______ Department:____________

Does your child have characteristics that need special attention?

Does your child have any special emotion needs?

Please print parent name

Please feel free to add attachments if you need more space.

TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM

(TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT AND PARENT/GUARDIAN ):

TO THE RECOMMENDING TEACHER:

Your assessment of this student is very important in the

Course Taught Student

NO APPLICATION ACCEPTED AFTER January 31, 2014

Please complete 2nd page of form

ESSAY QUESTIONS (To be completed by the recommending teacher):

We appreciate your thoughtful completion of this form.

PLEASE SUBMIT THE FORM ONLIINE before the

Teacher Signature and Date

TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM

(TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANTAND PARENT/GUARDIAN):

TO THE RECOMMENDING TEACHER:

Your assessment of this student is very important in the

Course Taught Student:

NO APPLICATION ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 31, 2014

Please complete page 2 of form

ESSAY QUESTIONS (To be completed by the recommending teacher or counselor):

TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM

(TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT AND PARENT/GUARDIAN ):

TO THE RECOMMENDING TEACHER:

Your assessment of this student is very important in the

Course Taught Student

NO APPLICATION ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 31, 2014

Please complete page 2 of form

ESSAY QUESTIONS (To be completed by the recommending teacher or counselor):

TO: PRINCIPAL OR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

(TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT AND PARENT/GUARDIAN ):

Official transcripts from each traditional school attended

This information is to be used for application purposes only

Type of School (public, private, boarding,*home-schooled)

Student Name:______________ Grade: Department: