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.

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  • Sampling of Recent Graduation with Distinction Papers

    "Our Somewhere Else: A One-Act Play" by Elizabeth Faith Grahmann

    "Synthesis and Molecular In-Silico Analysis of a Novel Pyrazolone Derivative and Its Potential for Targeted Colorectal Cancer Therapy Against Conserved CRC Kinases" by Monika Garlapati

    "A Newfangled Interpretation: Sculptural Family Tree" by Juliet Claire Marie Hyams

    "Succeeding in the Music Industry: A Comprehensive Industry Guide for the Independent Artist" by Olivia Luebbert

    "International Economics and Bretton Woods: The Gold Standard and Postwar Finance" by Jai Patel

    "Fractal Geometry in Chromatin and Effects on Gene Regulation" by Annabel Schleifstein

    "Exploring Patterns of Coastal Tornado Formation" by Mary Schrader

    "Empathetic Response Generation According to Live Emotional Recognition in Affective Computing" by Amelia Willis

    "Unmasking Commedia Dell 'Arte: Archetypes, Clowns, and Divas! Oh My!" by Julia Wisdom

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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.
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