ST. LOUIS, MO, June 9, 2011 –The following twenty students from Metro Academic and Classical High School have been selected to attend the prestigious Missouri Scholars Academy held June 12 through July 2 on the campus of the University of Missouri–Columbia:  

Selected by the school, participants are then screened by a special selection committee appointed by the University of Missouri based on the following criteria and factors:

• Student scores from selected individual intelligence and aptitude tests
• Grade point average
• Student essays
• Evidence of leadership, creativity, intellectual curiosity, problem-solving ability and initiative
• Projected benefits to the student for participating in the Academy
• Commitment to remain at the Academy throughout the entire three-week experience

Established in 1985, the Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA) is a three-week academic program for 330 of Missouri"s gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year in high school. The goals of the Academy are to help gifted students achieve their full potential and motivate them to use their abilities to attain high standards of achievement; to encourage local schools to improve and expand gifted education programs; and to assist in providing the state with experienced faculty and specialized curriculum for such students. 

Now in its 27^th year, the Missouri Scholars Academy offers a variety of Academic Majors and Academic Minors concentrating on four major academic areas: mathematics, science, social studies and humanities. These classes are usually college level or experimental, and meant to stimulate gifted students. 

Another vital part of the Missouri Scholars Academy is Personal and Social Dynamics, or "PSD". The goal of ‘PSD’ is to provide students with the insight for understanding their own special abilities, including the advantages and responsibilities they have to themselves and to society.

For more information, please contact the Office of Public Information (314) 345-2367.

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