Paulding County outlines career-focused high school academies; applications open Jan. 23–March 1

Paulding County School District officials on a recorded broadcast outlined three career-related high school academies and opened the student application window, which runs Jan. 23 through March 1.

Keith Roland, the district's executive director of 6–12 teaching and learning, said the district's academies are designed to give students an in-depth, project-based course of study that prepares them for college and career pathways. "Everything needed to complete the application process is in one centralized Canvas course," Roland said, and he directed families to the district's academy web page for details.

The district highlighted three academy sites. Chen Matthews, director of the AIM Academy of Engineering and Technology at South Paulding High School, said AIM is in its fourth year and serves more than 150 students; the program accepts up to 50 new students each year. "We use project-based learning activities to ensure students have hands-on learning activities that apply what they have learned," Matthews said, noting partnerships used for projects including the Georgia Aquarium and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. He also cited instructors with industry experience and a Georgia Tech-trained engineering teacher on staff.

Chad Tittle, director of the Hiram Academy of Computer Science, described a program that emphasizes early exposure to computer science, project-based coursework, AP options and industry certifications. "HACCS introduces students to STEM concepts early, helping them make informed decisions about their academic and career paths," Tittle said. The broadcast listed industry certification opportunities such as Dell technician, IT specialist credentials and an AWS Cloud Practitioner pathway and noted industry visits and internship connections.

Heather Dejohn Mathis, director of the Academy of Science, Research and Medicine at Paulding County High School, described two pathways—biotechnology and allied health—and said the academy, founded in 2012, serves 223 students and is state STEM-certified and Cognia STEM-certified. "Through local partnerships, students conduct cutting-edge research," Mathis said, naming partners such as the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wellstar, Kennesaw State University and the University of Georgia.

Students from each academy gave brief testimonials about hands-on work, research projects and college or credential outcomes. Jordan Eddy, a senior in the science academy, described research placements with college professors. Sean Chenane said the biotech pathway helped him earn an entry-level lab certification; Amaya Williams said she completed more than 250 volunteer hours in health settings and became a board-certified CNA before graduation.

Program expectations and prerequisites were also detailed. Mathis said the science academy requires student commitment to character and academics, including daily study and grade minimums: a minimum grade of 75 in AP and honors courses and a minimum grade of 85 in other courses. Roland said accepted students join their cohort as full-time students at the host high school and that transportation is provided from satellite hubs across the county.

Roland closed the broadcast with a reminder that incomplete applications will not be accepted after March 1 and that families with questions can contact academy administrators directly. "We welcome you to submit any questions you have tonight while the broadcast is live," he said, noting answers would be provided during the session.

The district did not announce selection criteria beyond the stated grade minima and character expectations, nor did the broadcast include application acceptance rates or admissions rubrics beyond the annual maximums cited for AIM.