"STEM School" is the name of 12 for Life's high school program. Our goal is for students to graduate from high school with experiences that distinguish them from traditional high school students, leading to preferential selection in post-secondary colleges and careers. Every student who enters the 12 for Life program is evaluated for our STEM School. Students can attend the STEM School only if they receive an invitation from the 12 for Life academic counselor. Once a student receives an invitation to attend the STEM School, the parent or guardian along with the student must agree and choose to enter the STEM School. 

Students and parents must commit to at least one semester in the STEM School. STEM students who do not complete the semester may lose all credit or be referred to Carroll County's GOAL Program to complete the semester's course work started at the STEM School. Students attending the STEM School will remain enrolled at their regular high schools and can participate in all senior and graduation activities.

STEM students generally work first shift, which if from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and attend first shift rotation class from 12:00 to 12:30. Students will take two academic classes at 12 for Life. The first block class is from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and the second block class is from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Classes are taught in the two-story building within the 12 for Life facility. 12 for Life students who attend dual enrollment classes at the 12 for Life facility or at the university or college campuses are considered STEM students. STEM students attend classes Monday through Thursday, but still, work Fridays and their scheduled Saturday work shifts. 

Students who enroll in the STEM School will be served in a regular classroom settings with a certified teacher giving instructions. Students who need to complete multiple classes online are not typically qualified for the STEM School. 9th and 10th grade students are not invited to STEM School because 9th and 10th grade classes are not offered. Basic requirements are Algebra I, 9th Grade Literature, and 9th Grade World History. 

The STEM School curriculum consists of mostly eleventh and twelfth grade courses. Geometry is included in out math curriculum for students who began high school taking Foundations of Algebra. American Literature, British, Literature, and Multicultural Literature are included in the English Language Arts curriculum. Physics is included in our science curriculum so that we can serve students who need the Physical Science or Physics course requirement for graduation. Physics is also offered as an elective for seniors. US History is generally offered every semester and an American Government/Economic combination is offered every semester. For school systems that require a full credit of American Government and a full credit of Economics, can take the combination course to satisfy the Economics credit and 12 for Life's online Government course to satisfy the American Government requirement.

Students who are hired in August, September, or January will be evaluated for the STEM School. Students who meet the requirements, will be offered an invitation. Students who are from high schools with block scheduling can be evaluated and considered for STEM School at any time throughout the school year. Students who attend high schools with a seven-period day can only be evaluated and considered for the STEM School during summer school or during August, September, or January hiring.