Skip To Main Content

Select a School

[logo] Madison Metropolitan School District

Select a School

Early College STEM Academy Curriculum Overview

The Early College STEM Academy is a partnership between the Madison Metropolitan School District and Madison College. The STEM Academy is designed to provide access to college courses in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) which are anticipated to be areas with high-demand and high-wage jobs of the future. This opportunity to earn college credit while in high school comes at no cost to students or their families. Students enrolled in the program will have access to a range of courses at Madison College that include options for transfer to a four-year college or university. Students can choose to focus on one area interest or to explore multiple options, based on their personal goals.

Program Options

The Associate of Science Degree

The Associate of Science Degree prepares students to transfer to a major in a STEM field at a four year college. It is like the first two years of a Bachelor of Science. The sixty credits required for the degree are transferable, so a student completing the degree can enter a four year college with junior standing. Most of the classes students will enroll in during the first year at the Early College STEM Academy will satisfy requirements of the Associate of Science Degree.

Applied Associate Degrees in STEM Areas

Applied Associate Degrees are two year programs which can lead directly to employment opportunities or be a starting point for completing a bachelor degree program. Coursework in the Applied Associate Degree programs helps students prepare for college and career opportunities across a variety of in-demand STEM fields, including:

  • Engineering (including: civil, electrical, mechanical)
  • Information Technology (including: networks, web and mobile applications, cloud support, cybersecurity)
  • Additional Technology Fields (including: electronics, automation, architecture)

11th grade student suggested Madison College Courses 1

Fall 2025

STEM Elective

  • MMSD Equivalency: Elective
  • Credit: Varies
  • Notes: Options span across STEM programs. See counselor for full list. 

Intermediate Algebra

  • MMSD Equivalency: Algebra 2
  • Credit: 1.33 Math cr 
  •  Notes: Placement may vary from Algebra to Calculus

English 1 / Writing Workshop 

  • MMSD Equivalency: English 3
  • Credit: 1.0 English cr
  • Notes: May include writing workshop based on placement

20th Century America

  • MMSD Equivalency: Modern US History
  • Credit: 1.0 SS cr
  • Notes: Social Studies requirement

Personal Finance (if required)

  • MMSD Equivalency: PE Credit
  • Credit: 0.5 PE cr
  • Note: Standard PE requirement

STEM Seminar

  • MMSD Equivalency: Elective
  • Credit: 0.33 Elective cr
  • Notes: Options include Engineering or Health Seminar

Spring 2026

Ethnic Literature

  • MMSD Equivalency: English 4
  • Credit: 1.0 English cr
  • Notes: Literature with cultural and historical perspectives

Choice of Math

  • MMSD Equivalency: Math Elective
  • Credit: Varies
  • Notes: Examples: College Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus 1, 2, or 3

Choice of Science

  • MMSD Equivalency: Science Credit
  • Credit: Varies
  • Notes: Examples: College Chemistry 1, University Physics 1, Earth Science.

STEM Elective

  • MMSD Equivalency: Elective
  • Credit: Varies
  • Notes: See counselor for full list.

20th Century America (if not taken in the Fall)

  • MMSD Equivalency: Modern US History 
  • Credit: 1.0 SS cr
  • Notes: Required if not completed in Fall

1 Specific course selection will be determined individually based on student personal goals
2 Indicates credits required for high school graduation