Back to Resource Topics
Topics: Educational Options: Alternative , Grade Level: High School

Website:	Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) (Denton, TX)
University:	University of North Texas
URL:	http://www.tams.unt.edu/
Description:	The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) allows high school aged Texas students, who are gifted in Math and Science to complete a curriculum of college coursework through the University of North Texas. This two-year program requires students to follow a set schedule the first semester, and thereafter allows them to choose electives.
Comments:	Contributed by: Student on 8/7/2008 TAMS is a great place for students that enjoy learning. I would definitely recommend TAMS Contributed by: Student on 3/20/2008 In my experience, "skipping two years of college" once you get out of TAMS is not accurate; in some cases, in which the student is ready to attend a public/state school, it is possible for them to place out of two years, graduating very soon after leaving high school. As of now, this is particularly true for biology students due to how the curriculum is set up (see order of courses). If your student is trying to get into an Ivy League school he/she may want to inquire more carefully about the advanced placement options. For me, this was the best choice of my life (and I'm going to MIT next year...we've got a great acceptance rate at the 'Tvte!) Contributed by: Parent on 5/1/2006 TAMS is a wonderful resource, but is not for every kid. The students, although closely supervised by a wonderful staff, must be responsible, self-starters. The program costs about $6,000 for room and board and another $1500 for the tuition fees. It is money well spent. Contributed by: Student on 3/1/2005 I am a former student, and I wouldn't have changed anything. I see where the parents are coming from, but if they don't think their kids are mature enough to handle responsibility then they shouldn't let them go. If your child has good values etc. there really is nothing to worry about. Some of us got into trouble and were rambunctious, but we were also 16 years old. The bottom line is I am now 22 and have been working full time for 2 years. I'm starting my MBA in the fall (paid for by the company) and if I had stayed in high school I would probably just be finishing my undergrad. I have stayed close to all my friends that went to the program most of which are finishing med school soon (Southwestern /UCLA/ Baylor) or at law school (Harvard /UT). I think that in terms of getting off to a good start in life you can't do much better than TAMS. Contributed by: Student on 9/2/2004 I am a TAMS alumni, and it is an excellent opportunity. I would not trade my experiences there for anything in the world. Yes, there are some things that go on there that are less than ideal, but no more than other groups of teenagers...they are still high schoolers, after all. Look into the program thoroughly, but also consider what the administration has to do, and how much you trust your children to begin with. It's a great program, and an amazing chance for Texas high-schoolers. Contributed by: Student on 7/4/2004 I also should add, in response to the parent who gave this program a rating of two, that although we have a few rotten apples, that doesn't mean that the administration encourages nor condones illegal activities. As a former student, I can tell you that the administration is infamous for the many strict rules it enforces, often seen by students as arbitrary and unfair. Before you send your child here, you may want to consider if you did a good enough job of parenting that you can trust your child to be responsible. Even with it's rules, the administration is not here to raise your child, and you should never expect that of a school. That is the responsibility of the parents. Contributed by: Student on 7/4/2004 I recently graduated from this program, and although they charge a fee, it's still a better education than any other you'll find in a public school, which TAMS is. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for gifted students who would otherwise be left unchallenged to learn and explore to the fullest of their capabilities. Contributed by: Student on 7/1/2004 Yes, TAMS does have a fee now, but that is because the state has cut funding drastically. The fee is minimal when you consider that we're graduating with two years of college under our belt. With the rising costs of tuition these days, this is a very good oppurtunity. Everyone I know who graduated from TAMS has nothing but good to say about it. I'm happy to say that I'll be attending this coming fall. Contributed by: Educator on 3/18/2004 Beneficial because it allows students who qualify an opportunity to begin college early and to learn in an environment that acknowledges these students desire to learn. Show All CommentsShow Less Comments

The appearance of any information in the Davidson Institute's Database does not imply an endorsement by, or any affiliation with, the Davidson Institute. All information presented is for informational purposes only and is solely the opinion of and the responsibility of the author. Although reasonable effort is made to present accurate information, the Davidson Institute makes no guarantees of any kind, including as to accuracy or completeness. Use of such information is at the sole risk of the reader.

Close Window