Presentation High School is a college-preparatory high school with a demanding curriculum that contains increasing challenges in both mathematics and the sciences. To become a Fellow of the Academy, students must demonstrate they are interested in math and science by their involvement in activities, such as, Mu Alpha Theta, CSF (California Scholarship Federation), COSMOS, Robotics, Presentation High School Math Team, San Jose Math Circle, and/or the Independent Research Study Course run by the academy. To become a Fellow, students must complete an application and indicate their involvement in the above activities. Students should be participants in at least 2 activities; however, exceptions may be made if students are participating in COSMOS, Robotics, or the Independent Research Study Course. Fellowship is granted to students who are active participants and once a student becomes a fellow, they are life-long members of the academy as long as they continue to follow their interests in math and science.
If a student would like to join the Academy and is not participating in those activities, they must demonstrate a true interest in math and science and petition the director for membership. Students who petition for membership should be involved in extracurricular mathematics or science activities, such as involvement with the local aquariums/science or technology museums, or local university laboratories.
Other programs on campus also work in coordination with the mission of the Academy in providing additional career exploration opportunities and hands-on activities. The following are some examples:
PHS Robotics Team: The Robotics team is not run by the Academy; however, it presents the opportunity for students of the academy and of the student body to pursue their interest in engineering. The team competes at robotics competitions during the year.
ISTS Course offered by the Science Department: The science department offers an additional course called ISTS (or Integrated Science and Technology Seminar Course). This course introduces students to the real world applications of the skills that they have acquired in biology, chemistry, and physics. Furthermore, those students interested in careers in applied science will be introduced to leaders both in local industry and in academia. In particular, the engineering department at Santa Clara University will be working closely with ISTS students to help them work towards a career in engineering.
Math Contests Team: Competitions are structured around the California Mathematics League contests and is open to all Presentation students with an enthusiasm for math. Students will compete in math contests against other schools both on campus and off campus. The team will meet at lunch on math contest days to do fun and challenging path problems together. For more information, contact, Sharon Goldau at sgoldau@pres-net.com.