Established in 2000, the Academy of Mathematics, Science & Technology, infused into the 319,000 square-foot Kennesaw Mountain High School (KMHS) campus, provides advanced learning opportunities to students in Cobb County. One of six Cobb County magnet schools, the faculty in the Academy encourage students to transcend traditional curricula and explore post-secondary level courses on the KMHS campus. Graduates of the Academy perform at the highest academic levels and matriculate at prestigious universities throughout the country.
Established in 2000, the Academy of Mathematics, Science & Technology is infused into the 319,000 square foot Kennesaw Mountain High School (KMHS) campus and is one of six magnet schools in the Cobb County School District. In 2000, the program began with 37 Academy students; the current Academy population is 394, or approximately 22% of the KMHS student body. Students enter the Academy as freshmen through a competitive application process and progress through coursework at an accelerated rate in order to participate in courses beyond those found in traditional high schools. The capstone for seniors includes a 13-week internship with a mentor at a local post-secondary institution, professional group, or business; during the internship students complete research equivalent to a mini-dissertation. In 2013, the Academy earned Georgia Department of Education STEM certification. In 2017, the Academy earned AdvancED STEM certification and Georgia Department of Education STEM recertification. KMHS ranks 21st on the 2022 Niche Best Public High Schools in Georgia list. The Academy accepts students based on an application consisting of academic records (transcripts and test scores), teacher recommendations, an essay, and other student responses to leadership, athletics, and other extra-curricular experiences.
The mission of the Academy is to commit to offering an accelerated STEM curriculum that develops future leaders and supports their passion for learning. The academic focus is on math and science acceleration with technology integration. We pride ourselves in being an Advanced Academic STEM Program that does not pigeonhole students. Many eighth and ninth grade students may think they know what they “want to be when they grow up” or even what college they aspire to gain acceptance into and attend; however, realistically many have no idea when asked about career or specific college. Therefore, while in the Academy of Mathematics, Science & Technology at KMHS, we open many doors and provide numerous opportunities for students to explore and learn. With this organic approach, we realize that it is imperative that we are flexible with curriculum requirements. When reviewing the Academy Four-Year plan and the Academy Profile, the emphasis is on high academic achievement without the stress to pick and follow one path for four years. It is not our desire to encourage or require students to choose a direct path (i.e., medicine, math, engineering, etc.), but rather provide flexibility, allowing students to modify their path as they grow and expand. Advanced Coursework: Academy students are required to complete a minimum of 11 advanced (honors, Advanced Placement (AP©), or Post-AP) math and science classes, and a minimum of eight AP© courses at KMHS.
Overall, the Academy provides numerous and various STEM academic courses, in addition to non-traditional STEM opportunities and experience to Academy students. The resounding variable from Academy graduates is that they are prepared for college– that college seems easier than high school! Additionally, while in college, graduates reflect highly on the senior capstone: The Advanced Internship and Research semester experience because they realize how beneficial the capstone experience is in preparing for college and beyond