Rockdale Citizen

The Georgia Department of Education recently recognized the Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology as Georgia's first STEM-certified school in a special ceremony at the school. The Magnet School's class of 2012 gathers around STEM school certification banner.

CONYERS -- The Georgia Department of Education recently recognized the Rockdale Magnet School as Georgia's first STEM-certified high school.

In a ceremony at the Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, DOE officials joined local school system officials and business partners to congratulate the high school on its extraordinary achievement on being certified in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM.

"The Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology is to be commended for being named our first STEM designated high school," said Superintendent John Barge. "It is critically important that we have students focused on STEM-related careers because we know we have a shortage of STEM professionals in the labor market, and these students will help fill the void."

STEM certification is the result of a rigorous application by the school and a site visit by DOE officials who make a determination if the school meets the criteria, according to officials at Rockdale County Public Schools.

"We are truly honored to be the first high school in Georgia to receive this prestigious recognition," said Mary Ann Suddeth, director of the Magnet program. "Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology provides opportunities for students to explore STEM fields through rigorous courses and activities, and it is great to see the hard work of our students and teachers pay off."

Standards are evidenced in teacher collaboration, business and industry partnerships, high levels of math and science instruction and an integrated STEM curriculum that is project based, according to the DOE.

Highlights of the Magnet School's application included the requirement that all students must complete four years of scientific research to graduate. Students enter their projects in any number of STEM competitions, challenges and science and engineering fairs during their four years at the school. Additionally, most students participate in an intense internship with business partners that allows them to explore career options.

This year's seniors collectively received over $5 million in college scholarships. The school's average ACT score was 29 out of a possible 36, and the average SAT score was 1907 out of a possible 2400, according to the Department of Education.