BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. (June 24, 2019) – In an effort to provide students opportunities to pursue specialized interests, develop their talent, and extend their competencies beyond the usual scope of high school, the Bartow County School System seeks to develop and offer magnet programs by 2020. If approved by the Bartow County Board of Education, three magnet programs, each with a curricular focus, will be developed in Adairsville, Cass, and Woodland High schools.
The Center for Advanced Science, Math, and Technology Studies will be located at Adairsville High School. The Center for Advanced International Studies will take shape at Cass High School, and The Center for Advanced Studies in Medical Sciences will be stationed at Woodland High School. “We are excited to begin implementing the STEM Magnet program at AHS to continue the work that both Clear Creek Elementary and Adairsville Middle School have begun with their recent STEM Certification,” says AHS Principal Bruce Mulkey. “Additionally, the program will give Bartow County students access to advanced academic classes and pathways that we have not been able to offer before.
Our staff is looking forward to supporting students as they pursue specialized interests in the areas of math, science, and technology.” “At Cass High School, The Center for Advanced International Studies strives to build a globalready set of students,” says CHS Principal Stephen Revard. “With the acquisition of the International Skills Diploma Seal last school year, our rigorous educational curriculum already includes world languages and courses with an international focus. Now, we are building on those offerings to further cross-cultural competence and success here and in other parts of the world.” “The Center for Advanced Studies in Medical Sciences will provide our students an academic pathway that both prepares students for admissions to highly competitive colleges and universities and provides a clear connection and understanding of the ever-growing opportunities available to nurses, medical doctors, researchers, and public health officials,” adds WHS Principal David Stephenson. “The Woodland Magnet experience will emphasize research and inquiry skills, math and science readiness, and strong communication skills while offering real-time connections to medical field professionals and expertise. The magnet experience also allows us to link our superlative fine arts department into the framework of medical sciences preparation through targeted strategies related to STEAM. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)” Based on data, these specialized programs will increase the system’s Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities, College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) score, and reinforce our focus on learning, collaboration, and results. “We are committed to recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional potential in a specific area,” says Bartow County School System Superintendent Dr. Phillip Page. “The theme-based instructional environment, rooted in well-prepared instructors, will give students the tremendous opportunity to reach their full potential.” Regardless of school zone, all students in and around Bartow County can apply to any of the three respective magnet programs. Limited space will be available for children who attend schools outside the Bartow County School System. A selective admissions process, currently in development, will be based on grades, test scores, teacher recommendations, and interviews or auditions if applicable. Prospective eighth-grade students are encouraged to attend a Magnet Open House this fall and complete the application process by December. Selected students will be notified by February. The first cohort of freshman magnet students will begin at the start of the 2020-2021 school year.