The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts was named among the top high schools providing STEM education in the nation by Study.com.
ASMSA was listed No. 21 on the website’s list of 30 high schools nationwide that provide rigorous science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses for students. The schools on the list provide research and hands-on opportunities as well as preparation for a college degree in a STEM field by giving high school students “freedom to explore their passions and interests before they even reach college,” according to the announcement on the website.
Study.com is a self-funded company that provides video-based online courses that delivers students a fast and affordable way to earn college credit while reducing costs. The website ranked the schools on the list using a system that places different weights on important aspects such as student-teacher ratios, AP test participation and scores in STEM subjects, and a special STEM innovation score. The innovation score evaluates the uniqueness, thoroughness, and cutting-edge nature of each school’s curricular and extracurricular STEM offerings.
Study.com cited ASMSA’s overall curriculum, residential experience, and computer science requirements for placing the school on its list.
“The residential experience combines college-level coursework, dynamic faculty, advanced research opportunities, study abroad trips, and more. It is also the only school in Arkansas to require a computer science class to graduate. STEM courses include Robotics, Quantum Mechanics, Electric Circuits, Astrophysics, Math Modeling Immunology, Artificial Intelligence, Graphic Design and Business Calculus,” the story on the site said.
“We are honored that Study.com has recognized the dynamic and innovative practices of ASMSA’s faculty,” said Corey Alderdice, ASMSA director. “We pride ourselves on not only developing these kinds of experiences for students enrolled in our residential experience but also translating those programs to benefit students and teachers from across the state through our outreach initiatives.”
ASMSA is a state leader in computer science education. Through the Coding Arkansas’ Future initiative, ASMSA has helped teachers throughout Arkansas develop the skills needed to teach computer science in their school districts. The school has also provided high-quality computer science classes via distance education.
Advanced Biology Plus uses the same curricular design of Coding Arkansas’ Future to provide advanced biology courses to students in various school districts throughout the state. Teachers in participating districts receive digital and on-site support from ASMSA’s biology instructors to prepare to teach AP Biology and increase student success on AP exams.
Science and Engineering Institutes on campus and at sites around the state provide hands-on learning opportunities with ASMSA instructors for eighth- and ninth-graders. The sessions are free, and many are held in cooperation with many learning institutions around the state.
“The recognition from Study.com is a testament to the fact that talented and motivated young Arkansans stand shoulder to shoulder with peers from across the nation when given access to appropriately challenging opportunities for learning,” Alderdice said.
The list included ASMSA’s peer school the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts at No. 22 among several other nationally recognized programs such as Stuyvesant High School in New York, N.Y. (No. 1); Wheeler High School in Marietta, Ga. (No. 2); and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va. (No. 12).