SCIENTIFIC TOOLS & TECHNIQUES (STT)

Students experience science the way real scientists do!

2026-2027 STT Applications Open on February 1st at each DCSD middle school!
Click here to RSVP for the virtual information session on February 12th.
What is STT?

The STT Program is a fast-paced, one-semester intensive designed to prepare ninth graders for advanced scientific inquiry through accelerated coursework in Biology and Environmental Science. STT allows students to complete two full high school science credits in a single semester at no cost and is open to all students attending DeKalb County School District (DCSD) high schools.

About STT

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What Does a Semester in STT Look Like?

Students attend classes daily at Fernbank Science Center from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM for one semester. STT students take two accelerated courses: Biology and Environmental Science.

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How are Students Selected?

Students apply for STT in 8th grade through their middle school STT Liaison. Selection is based on teacher recommendations, academic readiness, and interest in science.

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Cost & Transportation 

STT is FREE for all students who will attend a DCSD high school in 9th grade. Transportation is provided for all high schools except Tapestry. There are no program fees.

Applying for STT

Click here to find your school's STT Liaison!

Students may apply during the spring semester of your eighth-grade year. Applications open February 1st and are due by March 1st. Ask your science teacher or your middle school’s STT liaison for an application and for more information.  

Applications are accepted and selections are made at each DCSD middle school. Selection criteria are based on teacher recommendations, academic readiness, and student interest in science. Students attending private school in 8th grade but will attend a DCSD high school may apply through the middle school they are zoned for.

Any 8th grader who is a hard worker, a problem solver, and enjoys hands-on learning should apply for STT!

Applications Open: February 1, 2026
Virtual Info Session: February 12, 2026
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Notifications: April 1, 2026 

STT Modules

Instead of traditional units, STT delivers Biology and Environmental Science through intensive 4-6 day modules. These fast-paced sessions are taught by expert scientists, allowing students to master complex topics through specialized instruction.
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STT Biology Modules

Biochemistry, Botany & Ecology, Cells I: Cellular Bio & Biotech, Cells II: Microbiology, Evolution & Adaptations, Genetics I: Cellular Genetics, Genetics II: Molecular Genetics

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STT Environmental Science Modules

Atmospheric Science, EcoChemistry, Environmental Health & Policy, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Physics, Food Systems, Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Natural Resources & Conservation

Student Testimonials

"I was surprised that I learned so much in just one semester!"

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Stephenson High School Student

"I liked having the opportunity to learn from professionals who were very well versed in their field and excited about what they were teaching."

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Druid Hills High School Student

"Overall, I learned a lot from STT and I had the chance to meet new people and interact with them, creating new friendships."

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Cross Keys High School Student

"I enjoyed the interactive labs allowing us to better know our classmates. I also enjoyed meeting different people with different personalities including teachers."

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Arabia Mountain High School Student

STT FAQs

In one semester, STT students take two accelerated high school science courses: STT Biology and STT Environmental Science. Upon successful completion of STT, participants earn one Carnegie Unit of Biology and one Carnegie Unit of Environmental Science, thereby meeting two high school graduation requirements. Students are placed into small groups and rotate through eight Biology and eight Environmental Science modules, each lasting 4-7 days.  

Students who are enrolled in a magnet program at a DCSD high school may be eligible for STT. Check with your high school counselor.

STT instruction begins at 8:00 a.m. Each day, students have a ten-minute, mid-morning break. Students are encouraged to bring a snack to eat/drink. There is no cafeteria at FSC and students are not permitted to use vending machines. Students will then be bused back to their home schools, at 11:00 a.m., for the remainder of the school day; they will eat lunch at their home school.

DCSD provides transportation to and from STT for all schools except Tapestry.


Morning transportation - Students are picked up at a bus top in their neighborhood. The bus will either bring students directly to FSC, or students will be taken to a shuttle and transported to STT by the shuttle bus. Parents are permitted to drop students off at FSC in the morning from 7:30 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.

Afternoon transportation - At 11:00 a.m., all students will be transported back to their home schools via DCSD school bus

Each DCSD high school has a designated semester in which their students attend STT (see participation schedule below).

Fall Semester Schools:   
Cedar Grove High School
Clarkston High School
Columbia High School
Dunwoody High School
Lakeside High School
Lithonia High School
Stephenson High School
Stone Mountain High School
Towers High School
DeKalb Early College Academy

Spring Semester Schools:
Arabia Mountain High School
Chamblee High School
Cross Keys High School
Druid Hills High School
Martin Luther King Jr. High School
Miller Grove High School
Redan High School
Southwest DeKalb High School
Tapestry High School
Tucker High School 

Yes! Toward the end of the semester, STT students take the Biology Georgia Milestone End of Course (EOC) assessment at their school of record. More information regarding testing is shared with students before testing begins.

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