SMA Applicants

• Join us on Thursday, October 24, 2024 for our OPEN HOUSE!

• 6:30-7pm: Presentation in the Auditorium - overview of the program

• 7-8:30pm: SMA 11th and 12th grade students will lead families on a tour, answering all of your questions along the way and taking you to meet our amazing teaching!

All applications must be completed online through the Harford County Public Schools website at https://www.hcps.org/Schools/MagnetPrograms/Default.aspx.  The application will go live on October 14, 2024 and are due December 5, 2024.

If you were unable to attend our 2023 Open House please take a moment to look through the PPT (download to the right) and watch the 2021 Virtual Open House recording (below).

Hear about the SMA from current students here

Frequently Asked Questions:

When will I learn my child's status?
There are two rounds of admission. All admission communication will be sent via email using the email addresses used in the online application process.
Round 1: First week in January (invitation to in person assessment)
Round 2: First week in February (final admissions status update)

How many students will be admitted to the Science and Mathematics Academy?
Up to 55 students will be admitted to the Science and Mathematics Academy. A waitlist will be maintained in the event openings become available.

What if my student applied to multiple magnet programs and is also accepted to Harford Technical High School, Global Studies/International Baccalaureate, or Natural Resources/Agricultural Sciences?
Students admitted into more than one magnet program have the option to select the program of their choice.

If my student is placed on the SMA waitlist, but accepts admission to another magnet program, can my student remain on the SMA waitlist?
We allow them to remain on our waitlist until the first day of the school year.

When and where will summer Geometry be offered?
Summer Geometry is offered to all students needing Geometry, regardless of their status as an admitted student or waitlisted student. Waitlisted and admitted students who do not take summer Geometry will be withdrawn from consideration.
Summer Geometry runs Monday - Thursday (Cyber-Friday classes) during the month of July 7:30am - 2:30pm at AHS (course may run into the start of August). The cost of the course is $350 per student (subject to change). Student are responsible for providing their own transportation.
Students must earn a B or better to be admitted to the SMA.

Can a student find out where they are on the waitlist?
This information can be requested via email (sarah.ashley@hcps.org) following the February admissions emails.

What happens after my student has been accepted?
Accepted students will receive a packet of information via email including information about transportation, class registration, extracurricular opportunities, summer assignments, and Geometry registration. A meeting for accepted students will be held during the first week in May in the AHS auditorium and will be followed by a tour of the building and SMA.

Will my child be provided transportation?
Yes, Harford County Public Schools will provide transportation at no cost. Each magnet student's home high school will now serve as the designated depot stop.