Stafford families can apply for spots at the Stafford STEM Magnet Academy. The A-rated campus ranks in the top 1% of Texas schools for math and reading proficiency.

The academy, part of Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD), accepts students in grades 1 through 12, according to the school's admissions page. The district announced the application opening on its X account Tuesday, Sept. 29.

No application deadline has been posted. Families should contact the admissions office at 281-261-9200 ext. 3861 or [email protected] for details.

What the academy offers

The campus holds national STEM certification and has earned every Texas Education Agency (TEA) distinction, according to the school's admissions page. Students can take Advanced Placement courses, study foreign languages starting in third grade and compete in robotics, drone, eSports and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) programs.

Partnerships with universities and medical facilities give older students a path to certificates and associate degrees awarded at graduation.

Enrollment and test scores

Enrollment reached 345 students in the 2026-27 school year, a 97% increase over five years, according to Public School Review. Math proficiency stands at 95%, compared with a 44% state average. Reading proficiency falls between 85% and 89%, against 51% statewide.

Principal Ginny Liang was named Region 4 Principal of the Year and has led the school to an A accountability rating every year since it opened, according to the district's March 2025 Spartan Spotlight newsletter.

The academy graduated its first senior class of eight students in May 2026.

Recent expansion

In August 2026, the school received a $206,250 grant from The George Foundation to fund Phase III of its expansion, which adds first grade. Cherise Roberts, the district's grants and partnership coordinator, and Dr. LaKenya Perry-Allen, director of STEM, wrote the successful grant application, the district said.

The academy originally opened as a $2.8 million facility serving grades 3 through 8. It was the first STEM magnet school in Fort Bend County. SMSD is the only municipal school district in Texas, serving about 3,600 students across Harris and Fort Bend counties.

Applications are available at stem.staffordmsd.org/admissions. The campus is at 200 Stafford Pride, Stafford, TX 77477.