Academics

Summer School & Research Opportunities

Our philosophy at LSMSA is that all students should graduate with an impressive resume of accomplishments that go beyond the diploma itself, helping to increase the likelihood for the best scholarships. A strong resume' will be supported by a list of high-level accomplishments, which start with student goal setting and seeking out opportunities.

Many new and returning students elect to get ahead in their coursework by taking some classes in the summer.
Additionally, students may elect to conduct research internally or at a university over the summer. Dr. Chris Hynes works with students who desire summer internships by identifying specific locations or research areas that fit with their goals or career interests.

Graduation with Distinction

Graduation with Distinction is a recognition of a student's accomplishments that requires planning and achievement beyond the LSMSA classroom. Students who apply for and pursue their individual contract for distinction in a particular area must complete a myriad of advanced courses, maintain a 3.6 grade point average in the courses specific to their discipline and have no grade below a B. These students must successfully complete either a research project, performance/exhibition, portfolio or a comprehensive examination. Their independent efforts culminate in a public presentation during Blue and Gold Week where they defend their work, with an opportunity for answering questions from attending faculty, students and guests. Students generally apply for Graduation with Distinction during their junior year.

List of 1 items.

  • Sampling of Recent Graduation with Distinction Papers

    "Excursion into Prime and Perfect Numbers"
    William Ballanco
    Dr. Olaseni Fadipe, Mathematics - Faculty Mentor
     
    "The Future of Plastic Recycling: Using Zeolite Chemical Catalysts to Break Down Polyethylene"
    Lily Buckles
    Dr. Chris Hynes, Chemistry - Faculty Mentor
     
    "The Ultimate Threat to Patriarchy: Empress Matilda & Her
    Struggle with Religious & Legal Influences on Gender"
    Kayleigh Dewberry
    Dr. Christopher Bouton, History - Faculty Mentor
     
    "Sustainable Designs and the Negative Effects of Fast Fashion"
    Marlie Harris
    Chris King, Visual Arts - Faculty Mentor

    "Intercellular Signaling and Synoptic Deconstruction Uncovered by Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics in an Alzheimer's Disease Tauopathy Model"
    Jude Kannankeril
    Dr. Allison Landry, Biology - Faculty Mentor
     
    "Exploring Brownian Motion through Simulation"
    Esha Patel
    Dr. Robert Dalling, Physics - Faculty Mentor
     
    "The History of Forensic Entomology"
    Claudia Varnado
    Dr. Maggie Hodge, Biology and Dr. Kelly Lankford, History

Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts

715 University Parkway
Natchitoches, LA 71457
T: 318.357.2500 Toll Free: 800.259.3173 | F: 318.357.3189
Contact Us | Report Possible Fraud or Abuse |
National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Search

Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is the preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for Louisiana's high-achieving, highly-motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures the program is available to all qualifying students regardless of family financial need.
© 2026 LSMSA All Rights Reserved