Admissions & Placement | Orion Passion Discovery Institute Enrollment Process

A Balanced Approach: Competency + Passion-Driven Exploration

At Orion STEM Passion Discovery Institute (Orion STEM PDI), we recognize that academic excellence and meaningful personal growth go hand in hand—especially in a world where many future careers don’t even exist yet.

Our admissions model balances competency-based assessments with creative, passion-focused discovery, ensuring each learner is both prepared for challenging coursework and motivated to explore their true interests.

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How It Works

MAP Growth & CogAT as Competency Benchmarks
Orion STEM PDI Discovery Experience for Passion & Purpose
Personalized Placement & Growth Plan

Through these three steps, we create an inclusive, future-ready path for every learner.

Competency Reference Point

STEP 1: Competency Reference Point

(MAP Growth & CogAT)

Purpose

To measure current academic performance and cognitive abilities—not as a strict cutoff, but as a tool to guide optimal placement and identify any needed support or acceleration.

MAP Growth (NWEA)

Math: Evaluates problem-solving skills and quantitative reasoning.
Reading & Language Usage: Assesses comprehension, analytical thinking, and communication.
Science: Highlights inquiry skills and readiness for advanced STEM concepts.

CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test)

Verbal Reasoning: Tests critical thinking and verbal communication.
Quantitative Reasoning: Focuses on numerical logic and systematic problem-solving.
Nonverbal Reasoning: Captures pattern recognition, spatial skills, and creative thinking—crucial for innovative problem-solving.

How It’s Used

No Pass/Fail: Scores simply indicate where a student might need extra support or could excel.
Foundational Prep: If lower scores combine with high problem-solving potential, we design a preparatory phaseto bolster core skills.
Accelerated Pathways: Higher scores can signal readiness for advanced or fast-tracked courses.

Note: Our world demands adaptability. By treating these results as a reference point, we ensure each student can thrive—whether mastering foundational material or moving quickly into more complex topics.

Orion STEM PDI Discovery Experience

STEP 2: Orion STEM PDI Discovery Experience

(Passion & Purpose Assessment)

Purpose

To help students uncover their interests, motivations, and creative strengths—beyond test scores. This ensures alignment with Discovery Paths that fuel both intellectual growth and genuine passion.

What It Includes

Self-Discovery Reflection: Students assess their curiosities, goals, and inspirations, cultivating self-awareness that guides lifelong learning.
Exploration & Choice-Based Scenarios: They choose from various real-world challenges, identifying which fields or problem types excite them most (e.g., AI, Sustainability, Medical Innovations).
Hands-On Creative Challenge: Instead of merely testing “what you know,” we explore how students think, create, and innovate—reflecting the future of work and discovery.
Portfolio Submission (Optional): Learners can showcase past projects, personal research, or passions, giving mentors a tangible look at their unique strengths.

How It’s Used

Personalized Discovery Path: Aligns each student’s profile with one (or more) of our 18 diverse pathways (e.g., Quantum Computing, Entrepreneurship, Gaming & VR, etc.).
Holistic Snapshot: Combines academic indicators with creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking—all vital for careers yet to be invented.
True Passion & Readiness: Ensures placements consider both competency level and personal interests.

Personalized Placement & Growth Plan

STEP 3: Personalized Placement & Growth Plan

Purpose

To develop an individualized learning experience ensuring every student flourishes—academically, creatively, and personally.

What Happens Next

Direct Placement: If the student meets competency benchmarks and shows strong interest in, say, Robotics & Aerospace or AI & Machine Learning, they begin that path immediately.
Preparatory Support: If extra growth is needed—say in math fluency or research skills—we craft a targeted support phase (tutoring, bridging workshops, peer mentoring) before official enrollment.
Mentor Review Process: If a student exhibits exceptional creativity or problem-solving but scores below certain thresholds, our mentor panel evaluates their potential. We can grant alternative admissions that tap into their strengths while addressing gaps.

Outcome: Every child enters Orion STEM PDI at a just-right level of challenge and support—ensuring a journey of continuous success, inspiration, and purpose.

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Model Benefits

Academic Readiness

Learners are poised to tackle rigorous courses confidently—backed by foundational and conceptual strength.

Support for All Learners

We embrace a truly inclusive approach: students who need extra help receive it, and those ready for more advanced material can move faster.

Passion & Purpose at the Core

We believe education should spark inspiration, not just measure achievement. This model places interests at the forefront.

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Flexible Entry Points

A single test score doesn’t define a student’s future. We offer multiple pathways to success—blending competency data, creative input, and individualized mentorship.

Emphasis on Creativity & Innovation

By combining competency benchmarks with open-ended discovery, Orion STEM PDI fosters the creative thinking and entrepreneurial mindset essential for tomorrow’s careers.

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Join Us in Shaping the Future

Through our Admissions & Placement Model, Orion STEM PDI ensures that students are academically prepared for advanced STEM exploration and deeply engaged in the areas they care about most. With a focus on holistic growth, innovative thinking, and global citizenship, we invite you to become part of a community that’s redefining what education can be—one passion at a time.

Ready to Begin?

Apply Now and discover how competency, creativity, and curiosity converge at Orion STEM Passion Discovery Institute—where learners prepare for careers of today and tomorrow.

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