“What factors have a role in whether or not I will get accepted to ASMSA?"
ASMSA takes a multifaceted approach when evaluating whether an applicant would be a good fit with ASMSA’s community of learning. This includes both academic considerations (partially evaluated through GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and rigor of course of study from sending high school) as well as personal characteristics (partially evaluated through teacher recommendations, essay questions, and disciplinary record).
"When should I take the ACT for my application?"
ASMSA encourages students to take the ACT or SAT during the year for which the student is applying. The ACT should be taken by the February date in the year for which a student is applying to meet the March 1st application deadline.
"What courses should I have completed before starting at ASMSA?"
ASMSA requires that students applying for admission have completed Algebra 1 and Geometry. Other courses in Algebra 2, Physical Science, Biology, Civics/Economics, Oral Communications, and World History are highly recommended in order to maximize the unique course offerings available at ASMSA. We recognize that students may have limited opportunities to take certain courses in freshman or sophomore years based on the policies of their sending district.
"Do I have to live in Arkansas to attend ASMSA?"
Yes. All of ASMSA students are required to be residents of the state of Arkansas. In the case that a student is moving to Arkansas to complete their high school career, they will need to become state residents prior to the start of the fall semester.
“How much does it cost to attend ASMSA?”
ASMSA is a state-funded educational program, so tuition, books, room, and board are covered by the school’s state funding from the Arkansas General Assembly. The annual student assessment is $850 — $350 in residential fees and $250 each semester for the concurrent credit program. Financial assistance to cover the student assessments is available for all that qualify through federal school meal programs (Free and Reduced Lunch). Personal items, travel, and spending money are the family’s responsibility.
"In what grade can I apply for admission?"
ASMSA welcomes applications from talented and motivated students in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. There are three pathways for students to apply with the different requirements based on the point of entry to the residential experience:
Early Entrance:
- Apply freshman year
- 27 ACT composite
- 24 subscores in English, Math, and Reading
- 3.75 unweighted GPA
- Three-year program of study
H.E.L.I.X. (Helping Elevate Low-Income Students to Excellence) Prep Academy:
- Apply freshman year
- 19 subscores in English, Math, and Reading
- 3.5 unweighted GPA
- Three-year program of study
Standard Admission:
- Apply sophomore year
- 19 ACT composite
- 19 subscores in English, Math, and Reading
- 3.25 unweighted GPA
- Two-year program of study
Super Junior Admission:
- Apply junior year
- 25 ACT composite
- 23 subscores in English, Math, and Reading
- 3.5 unweighted GPA
- Two-year program of study
“What are ASMSA’s graduation requirements? How are they different from regular high school graduation requirements?”
All ASMSA students must:
- complete the Arkansas SMART Core graduation requirements in order to ensure qualification of the state’s Academic Challenge Scholarship and (with a 32 ACT composite and 3.5 GPA) Governor's Distinguished Scholarship;
- complete at least four semesters of a Global Language;
- complete at least one semester of study in Biology, Chemistry, Physics (not Physical Science), and Computer Programming;
- complete at least three semesters of English including Composition I, Composition II, and a selection from the ASMSA Literature offerings;
- complete at least three semesters of Math including a minimum of Bridge to College Algebra, College Algebra, and Trigonometry;
- earn a minimum of 30 hours of college credit; and
- complete a two-semester ASMSA Capstone experience that satisfies the research or creative expression requirement.
“What is the class schedule? How long is a typical day?”
ASMSA follows a block schedule with courses offered on a semester basis, much like a typical college schedule. “A” days have four class periods (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and alternating Mondays). “B” days have three class periods (Wednesdays, Fridays, and alternating Mondays). The first class period each day starts at 8:30am and the last class ends at either 2:25 p.m., (“B” days) or 4 p.m. (“A” days). There is a 90-minute lunch and study break from 11:30am until 1pm each weekday.
“What kind of electives can I take?”
ASMSA is proud to offer a variety of upper level electives for our students to choose from, including but not limited to: Genetics, Zoology, Astrophysics, Astronomy, Oceanography, Differential Equations, Number Theory, 2D/3D Art, Ceramics, Ancient Greek Literature, Creative Writing, and many more.
“What types of holiday breaks will I receive?”
ASMSA observes breaks and holidays similar to other public schools. ASMSA is closed on state recognized holidays (Labor Day, Christmas, Martin Luther King Day, etc.) as well as for Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer Break. Holidays and extended weekends are listed on the School Calendar.
“Does ASMSA offer Advanced Placement (AP) classes?”
ASMSA offers concurrent credit courses through our partnership with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Although Advanced Placement courses are not offered on the campus, students are permitted to take AP tests for any given subject on the ASMSA campus. While many students believe colleges expect to see several AP courses on a transcript, universities are interested in students challenging themselves. With the quality and creativity of ASMSA’s faculty, concurrent credit offers the school the flexibility to offer more dynamic learning experiences.
“Will my college credits transfer?”
Credits earned at ASMSA are transferable to any public, college or university in the state as part of the Arkansas Course Transfer System. However, the transferring of credits from our institution to other schools rests with the receiving schools. As part of the college application and selection process, we encourage students to proactively seek information from universities regarding their transfer policies. Highly selective and independent colleges are more restrictive regarding transfer credit; however, the challenge of college-level coursework in high school can be a determining factor in the student’s selection for admission among a field of competitive applicants.
“What courses are offered?”
ASMSA offers nearly one hundred courses across a variety of disciplines. Broad topic categories include mathematics, physics, computer science, biology, chemistry, geoscience, engineering, studio arts, digital arts, music, literature, global languages, social sciences, and history. ASMSA is committed to interdisciplinary learning where students are able to analyze a single topic from multiple disciplines and perspectives. Examples of these team-taught courses include Time Travel (physics and literature), Folk Music & Acoustics (music and physics), American Studies (history and literature), African American Literature (literature and sociology), and Infectious Diseases (biology and history).
“What is the faculty to student ratio?”
The faculty to student ratio is 1:9. This allows for more one-on-one instruction in the classroom setting. ASMSA offers around 40 courses each semester with 10 or fewer students. These more intimate experiences promote personalized learning and higher levels of student engagement. Whenever possible, we prefer sections of courses have no more than 16 students in a class.
“Is there a curfew?”
Yes. Students are required to be on campus Sunday-Thursday by 6:30pm in preparation for study hours which are 7:00pm-9:00pm. On weekends, Friday and Saturday, students are required back on campus by 11:00pm. As students progress through their experience and demonstrate academic success, they receive “privileges” that allow them to study when they choose instead of during required hours.
“What is there to do outside of classes? Are there sports? Clubs? Band? Choir?”
ASMSA offers a variety of intramural sports including soccer, football, ultimate frisbee, and tennis. Varsity level sports are offered through our partnership with Hot Springs High School. Every year ASMSA participates in SLAAMT, a multi-state competition where the “math and science” schools from Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas gather at that year's host school to compete against one another in a wide variety of events. ASMSA also offers over thirty clubs on our campus including STEP and swing dance clubs, drama club, Beta, National Honor Society, FBLA, Grandma’s Club, tabletop gaming, Muggle Quidditch, and more. ASMSA has a robust music program including choir and concert band.
“Can I have a job?”
We are currently testing a pilot program in which seniors in their second semester at ASMSA have the option to work. The program is part of a pilot project and framed by existing policies on student study hour and vehicle privileges. Students should meet the following requirements:
- Seniors in good academic standing will be allowed to work a maximum of 16 hours per week (including weekends)
- Seniors will use their earned study hour privileges and vehicle privileges when they check out to work
- No transportation will be provided to take students to work.
- Parents/guardians must approve their student having a job.
- Students may only work within the Garland County limits.
- Parents/guardians must approve the specific employer/location.
- Students may only work:
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- Monday – Thursday from the end of the school day to 9:00 pm
- Friday from the end of the school day until 10:30pm
- Saturday from 10:00 am until 10:30 pm
- Sunday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm
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“Do I have to have a roommate? Can I pick my own roommate?”
Part of the ASMSA experience is living on campus in the Student Center with a roommate. This is one of the core social components and an opportunity to grow one’s interpersonal skills. New students are assigned roommates based on information provided on a roommate preference survey. Roommates are matched according to similar interests, lifestyles and personal requests. Students may choose their own roommates if they mutually select one another.
“Is there a nurse available 24/7?”
The school nurse is present on campus 5 days a week for 8 hours each day to assist with illness-related absences and to administer prescription medication. In the case of a medical emergency, students will be transported to a local hospital or urgent care clinic. In hours where the nurse is not on campus, Residential Mentors assist with dispensing approved medications.
Social and emotional health is equally important to physical health. ASMSA has a full-time licensed professional counselor as part of our Residential Life Staff. All teenagers have good days and bad days as well as happy times and stressful times. Having someone you can talk to when you feel out of sorts is helpful in navigating challenges great and small.
“Is there Internet access on campus?”
ASMSA has the highest per student broadband allocation for any school in the state. Gigabit wireless internet is available across campus. Though content filters are in place, students are able to access social media, online gaming, and streaming services. ASMSA recognizes that campus is both a place to live and learn. Fun fact: nearly half of our weekly broadband usage goes to YouTube, Netflix, Steam, Xbox Live, Instagram, and Snapchat.
“Can I go home on the weekends?”
Of course! Students are allowed to go home on the weekends with their parents' permission. ASMSA also has what are called extended weekends every month. Classes typically dismiss on either a Thursday, with school being out on Friday, or a Friday, with school being out on Monday.
“Can I bring a pet to campus?”
Pets are not allowed with the exception of fish and limited to no greater than a 10-gallon aquarium.
“Can I talk to/visit my child anytime I want or are there specific hours?”
The visitation policy states anyone that is currently listed on your child’s visitation list may visit at the following times:
- Monday through Thursday 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
- Friday 1:00 pm - 11:00 pm
- Saturday 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Sunday 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
When in doubt, though, we find texting, instant messengers, and video calls a pretty great way to stay in contact no matter how far your family may live from Hot Springs.
"I have allergies and/or dietary restrictions. Will I be able to eat on campus?"
The cafeteria offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-sensitive options for each meal. Staff are happy to accommodate allergy needs as well. Students simply need to communicate their needs to the staff and the staff will be happy to work closely with students to ensure their nutrition needs are met.
“Can I drive?”
Students with vehicles and drivers licenses may use their vehicles to drive home on weekends with parent/guardian permission. During students’ first semester, however, they may only use their vehicles to drive home on the weekends. After that, driving privileges may be earned on a nine-week basis with parent or guardian permission. Privileges may be granted each nine weeks based on the student's record for the previous nine weeks grading period. Students’ grades, conduct, and work-service must be in good standing to apply for vehicle use privileges.
“What types of appliances am I allowed to have in my room?”
Students are allowed to have refrigerators, pod-style coffee pots (no open heat source), and televisions. Refrigerators are to be no larger than 4.5 cubic feet and televisions no larger than 40”. Non-approved items in your room will be confiscated and picked up by parents.
“Does ASMSA supply students with insurance while they are attending?”
At the current time, ASMSA does not supply students with insurance. However, we will direct you in the right path to obtaining insurance that is best suitable for your child. For instance, if they qualify for free/reduced lunch, you as a parent may be able to qualify for ARKids.