Our rigorous curriculum in mathematics, science, and engineering, provides hands-on, project and problem-based experiences that challenge young minds to reach their full potential.  All mathematics and science labs are state-of-the-art, with each classroom equipped with a Promethean ActivBoard.  Technology is a teaching and learning tool at the STEMS.  Scholars regularly use graphing calculators and personal computers to explore their ideas and deepen their understanding of complex mathematical and scientific concepts. 

Engineering

Our partnership with Project Lead the Way allows STEMS scholars to enjoy a series of exciting and challenging pre-engineering courses and projects with real-world applications of classroom concepts.  These classes expose scholars to electrical, chemical, civil, and mechanical engineering, and culminate in a final 12^th grade course, where they are required to invent a new product or design an improvement to an existing product.  As a certified PLTW high school, the STEMS will offer up to 12 college credits through Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) or Atlanta Technical College (Atlanta Tech) to all scholars who pass the challenging end-of-course exams. 

Early College Academy

STEMS School of Energy, an Early College Academy opens fall 2009…

Through the collaboration of Georgia Power, HTS Enterprises, Atlanta Metro Chamber, Georgia Tech, Atlanta Technical College, and Ralph Bunche middle school, the STEMS is opening its School for Energy during the fall 2009.  This Early College Academy offers eligible graduates a dual High School Diploma and Associates Degree, plus industry certification as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM).  CEM earns approximately $80,000 annually.  Graduates who then matriculate to Georgia Tech could be able to earn their Bachelor’s degree after only 2 additional years.

8 Learning Outcomes

Our instructional program aims to be both cohesive and coherent, providing students with a seamless transition as they travel from class to class throughout their day and as they move from one grade level to the next.  As a result we have identified eight outcomes to which every student, in every class, on every grade level, will be held accountable.  The demonstration of these outcomes is the foundation of our assessment system: Content Mastery, Oral Proficiency, Written Proficiency, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, Technological Proficiency, Work Ethic, and Civic Responsibility.  Students maintain a digital portfolio of their work that includes evidence of meeting the eight identified learning outcomes and, along with their team members, participate in regular exhibitions of their learning.