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S T E M High School

At the start of the 2012-2013 academic year, Hamilton County Department of Education will open a new magnet high school. The keystone of the platform school is an integrated curricular model with a central focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Mathematics, & Medicine (STEAM²). This innovative learning environment will serve as an incubator for inventive teaching methods and technological learning. Partnerships with colleges and regional businesses will provide students with opportunities for internships and apprenticeships.

Student Enrollment Process

The STEM school is open to students at all levels of academic achievement. The only requirement for admission is successful completion of all 8^th grade coursework. Prospective students must submit an application to the HCDE Magnet Office by April 20, 2012. All student applications will be included in a lottery enrollment process.

To ensure diversity and district-wide representation in the new STEM school, each HCDE high school zone will be allotted a specific number of seats based on their respective student populations. Each applicant will be entered into the individual lottery process for his or her home zone high school.

School Location

Located on the campus of Chattanooga State Community College (CSCC), the platform STEM school will serve as an accelerator for innovation in Southeast Tennessee. At full enrollment capacity to be achieved over 4 years, the school will enroll 300 students, drawn from each school zone in Hamilton County. The school will enroll  75 entering 9^th graders each year and students will progress as a cohort. Architects worked closely with the curriculum staff to design a school fostering collaborative learning. Students and faculty at the school will also have access to the science labs, technology centers and media rooms available on the Chattanooga State Community College campus.

Curriculum

The curriculum, aligned with State of TN and Common Core Standards, has been designed to provide authentic and relevant learning experiences in partnership with local STEM industry. With a strong focus on science and mathematics, the curriculum will fully integrate art and technology into student's projects to stimulate creativity and advance technical capabilities. Partnerships with postsecondary institutions and regional businesses will provide opportunities for non-traditional 11^th & 12^th grade years in which internships and apprenticeships will teach students through practical application of the academic material. The curriculum will also provide opportunities for AP, dual enrollment coursework, and industry certifications to accelerate postsecondary achievement. 

Faculty and Staff

Instructional staff will include a school principal, an administrative assistant, and 6 teachers working in collaboration with the school principal to offer core classes, electives, and specialized courses. Teacher recruitment will prioritize teachers with dual certifications, leadership experience, and a track-record of instructional innovation and student achievement.  All instructors will carry a small caseload of students whom they will advise academically.  Business and industry partners will serve as career advisors, beginning in 9^th grade.

Project-based Learning

The curriculum at the STEM school will be rooted in a project-based learning philosophy. Project-based learning is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges, simultaneously developing cross-curriculum skills while working in small collaborative groups. Because project-based learning is filled with active and engaged learning, it inspires students to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they are studying. Strong related arts programs and advanced technological resources will foster creativity and innovative critical thinking skills as they address the project challenges presented in school curriculum.