Orion STEM PDI Eligibility
At Orion STEM PDI, we believe that passion, curiosity, and purpose are the true indicators of a learner's potential.
Our programs are designed to nurture high-achieving and gifted students eager to explore, innovate, and lead. To ensure each student thrives, we offer multiple pathways to demonstrate readiness for our enrichment and accelerated courses.
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Spark Tier | Open Enrollment
Who It's For:
Students eager to explore new interests and develop foundational skills in a supportive, inquiry-driven environment.
Eligibility:
- No test scores or portfolio required.
- Open to all students who demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
Ideal For:
- Introduction to new subjects.
- Building confidence in a collaborative setting.
Ignite Tier | Advanced Enrichment
Who It's For:
Students ready to delve deeper into specific subjects, engaging in higher-order thinking and creative problem-solving.
Eligibility:
- Academic Records: Recent report card or transcript.
- Teacher Recommendation: Endorsement highlighting the student's aptitude and readiness.
- Standardized Test Scores: 90th percentile or above on nationally normed, grade-level assessments (e.g., MAP, STAR).
- Prior Orion Participation: Successful completion of a Spark Tier course in the same subject area within the past two years.
Ideal For:
- Students seeking to challenge themselves beyond the standard curriculum.
- Those ready to engage with peers in focused, subject-specific exploration.
Nova Tier | Accelerated Learning
Who It's For:
Students prepared for rigorous, fast-paced courses that may cover content typically taught at higher grade levels.
Eligibility (choose one):
- Academic Records & Recommendation: Recent transcript and teacher endorsement.
- Standardized Test Scores: 95th percentile or above on nationally normed, grade-level assessments.
- Above-Grade-Level Testing: Participation in assessments designed for older students (e.g., PSAT 8/9 taken in grades 5–6, ACT/SAT taken in grades 6–9).
- Prior Orion Participation: Successful completion of an Ignite Tier course in the same subject area within the past two years.
Ideal For:
- Students seeking acceleration in their learning journey.
- Those ready to tackle complex concepts and projects with depth and independence.
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Global Learners & English Language Proficiency
At Orion STEM PDI, we believe that passion, curiosity, and purpose are the true indicators of a learner's potential.
For students whose primary language is not English:
- Language Proficiency: Submission of TOEFL, TOEFL Jr., or IELTS scores to ensure readiness for English-instructed courses.
- Alternative Assessments: If standardized test scores are unavailable, an Orion-administered assessment may be arranged
Need Assistance?
Our admissions team is here to guide you through the eligibility process and help identify the best fit for your learning journey.
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