NATCHEZ — Natchez-Adams School District officials will host an informational session Thursday to answer questions and distribute applications for Robert Lewis Magnet School.

The school has a STEM — or science, technology, engineering and math — focus and opened to 125 sixth-grade students this school year.

The program will be open to sixth-grade through eighth-grade students in the 2014-2015 school year, with the targeted number for enrollment in each grade level being 125 students.

The school offers an applied learning, inquiry-based program that encourages children to learn through project-based learning and active exploration.

Project-based learning is a student-centered instructional strategy in which students collaboratively answer questions and solve problems and then reflect on their experiences.

Principal Zandra McDonald said she’s been pleased with the school’s results thus far.

“I’ve really been excited about the enthusiasm the students have here,” McDonald said. “Everyone has really bought into the idea that we’re pursing excellence here, and that’s our expectation.”

Parents and community members will have the opportunity Thursday to ask questions about the school after an explanation of the application and admission process, McDonald said.

Admission to the school will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 125 students, with current sixth-grade students having first preference for the seventh grade slots.

If more than 125 students apply, a lottery will be offered to fill the available slots.

A student’s past disciplinary infractions will not play a part in the admission decision.

Part of the admission process will require an interview of the child and the parents or guardians.

McDonald said she is expecting 95 percent of the sixth-grade students to remain at the school, leaving 10 open slots from students who are leaving the district.

Applications for parents will also be available at the session, which will be at 6 p.m. Thursday in the school’s cafeteria. The school is located at the former Robert Lewis Middle School site at 1221 Martin Luther King Jr. Road.

Applications will also be available at West, Frazier and McLaurin elementary schools ,as well as Braden Administrative Building.

The applications are due by March 14 and should be turned in at Robert Lewis Magnet School.