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SmithTech lab school debuts at Oscar Smith Middle; students showcase music production and early CS work
Summary
Chesapeake Public Schools and Old Dominion University opened SmithTech School of Computer Science, Innovation, and Design at Oscar Smith Middle School, introducing middle-school students to computer science and a music production elective touted as the first at a Virginia middle school.
Chesapeake Public Schools and Old Dominion University have launched SmithTech School of Computer Science, Innovation, and Design at Oscar Smith Middle School, the district announced during the State of the Schools Breakfast.
Dr. Helen Sapieka said the school is the first middle school in Virginia to adopt a Music and Production class at that level, aimed at exposing students to production and recording early. Student Lily Reid described hands-on projects including blending tracks, DJ deck use and training AI models to match interests with careers: "We're ready for the future, and I can't wait to see what we build," she said.
Leaders said the lab school model supports project-based learning in partnership with higher education, and that the program includes music production, computer science pathways and new electives such as music production and music technology. District representatives noted that Lily attended a summer camp supported by a Department of Defense grant and the Educational Foundation; the transcript cited a summer program with 125 students for military-connected middle schoolers.
Administrators said SmithTech fits within Empower 2030 goals to provide early exposure to career and technical education, but did not provide enrollment caps or long-term staffing plans during the presentation.
