THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, RESEARCH, AND MEDICINE
The Academy of Science, Research, and Medicine is the only STEM-certified Academy program in the Paulding County School District. The program only accepts 60-70 students each year from the district's nine middle schools through a very competitive selection process. Housed at Paulding County High School in Dallas, the program offers an accelerated course sequence with two pathways. Students may choose between the Biotechnology Research and Development or Allied Health and Medicine pathways, with many students completing both upon graduation. The program received STEM re-certification in March 2022 and has even been nationally recognized for innovative approaches to teaching. Click on the image below to read this national publication.
In both pathways, STEM content is integrated throughout the curriculum and taught using project-based learning. Students are encouraged to use the engineering design process in conjunction with a claims, evidence, and reasoning approach. Students in the Academy are exposed to extensive STEM collaborative partnerships. For example, students are currently working with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, Kennesaw State University (KSU) and Cornell University on several long-term projects. Students are currently working with KSU and TNC to use environmental DNA to detect threatened and extirpated species in a local watershed. These advanced biotechnological procedures could potentially revolutionize how species biodiversity is quantified and analyzed in nature. Again, these partnerships and authentic opportunities help create a unique STEM culture in the Academy.
Advanced academics are a focus in the program. In addition to the rigor of the AP science and mathematics courses, students can take a total of 15 Advanced Placement classes offered in the program, which has been recognized by College Board earning five of six AP accolades, including STEM access and STEM achievement. Lastly, students in the program are very involved in numerous STEM outreach initiatives in the community. Students in the Academy travel throughout the district to attend other schools’ science family nights, attend STEM conferences, and host events to engage their community in STEM activities.
Advanced academics are a focus in the program. In addition to the rigor of the AP science and mathematics courses, students can take a total of 15 Advanced Placement classes offered in the program, which has been recognized by College Board earning five of six AP accolades, including STEM access and STEM achievement. Lastly, students in the program are very involved in numerous STEM outreach initiatives in the community. Students in the Academy travel throughout the district to attend other schools’ science family nights, attend STEM conferences, and host events to engage their community in STEM activities.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
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Chief Science Officer Leadership Team
The Chief Science Officer Leadership Team is a group of high-achieving Academy students who are dedicated to expanding the STEM outreach programs sponsored by PCHS around the community. Spots on the team open for election in the Spring semester. Learn more about the CSO program here. Science National Honor Society PCHS has one of the only active chapters of Science National Honor Society in the county. Everyone is welcome to join to take part in fun monthly meetings to share a love of science! If you are passionate about the club after joining be on the lookout to join the SNHS Leadership Team to help plan meetings. Learn more about the SNHS program here. Health Occupation Students of America HOSA has a chapter open at PCHS to all students interested in the healthcare field. Learn more about the HOSA program here. |