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Health Sciences Academy

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    mercy The Health Sciences Academy is a unique learning opportunity housed within Mercy Hospital Springfield for 50 of Springfield Public Schools’ eighth-grade students. Students spend their year at Mercy in specially-designed, state-of-the-art-classroom facilities, using health care as the lens for problem-based learning. Students explore different careers, learn from professionals in the medical field, and implement projects to impact the health of our community.  

     

Health Sciences Academy in Action

Program Information

Should I apply for HSA?

    • Are you interested in the medical field?
    • Do you like to work with others to solve real-world problems?
    • Do you like to give back to the community?
    • Do you want to learn about different careers?
    • Do you like meeting new people?
    • Do you enjoy science, reading, and/or math?
    • Do you enjoy learning from experts?

    If you, selected many of these, you might be an excellent fit for HSA.

Meet the Teachers

Apply Here

  • Apply in the Fall for the next school year.   

Eligibility

    • Any current 7th-grade SPS student or any non-SPS student who lives within the SPS attendance area is eligible to apply for their 8th-grade year.
    • Eligible students must have satisfactory attendance and behavior.
    • Selected students will be identified through a lottery system.
    • Applications are accepted November-December each year.

Important Details

  • Extracurriculars

    Students attending the Health Sciences Academy will have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and sports through Pershing Middle School. Students are not able to participate in their homeschools as they become Pershing students for their 8th-grade year. The Pershing Athletics page has more information. 

    Elective Courses

    Students complete their fine and practical arts courses in partnership with Pershing Middle School. Students will finish their school day by traveling to Pershing to complete these courses during the 7th block of the day. These courses include art, choir, band, orchestra, pe, PLTW, and others.   

    PE is a required 8th-grade course and can be completed in a variety of ways. Students may take PE through LAUNCH either in the summer prior to their 8th-grade or during their 8th grade year. Students may also take a seated course at Pershing, but it is important to note that seats are limited, so we suggest doing it in the summer if possible. Click here to learn more about LAUNCH.

    **Students who take full-year band, or orchestra will need to complete PE through LAUNCH. 

Administration