STEM PROGRAM AT AAST

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!Academic Opportunities The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program at the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology is a unique 4-year program for students interested in exploring their interest in STEM-related careers. In 2016, AAST earned national STEM School accreditation through AdvancED. Beginning in the 9th grade, students experience an in-depth exploration of STEM using hands-on, project-based activities that are integrated in all academic areas. This opportunity is open to all rising 9th graders in Horry County, and all courses are taught on AAST’s campus.

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All ninth graders participate in Freshman Seminar, a course designed to give students opportunities to enhance study and organizational skills, explore college and career options, participate in service activities, prepare for college entrance tests such as the SAT and ACT, and develop leadership skills. Beginning in the tenth grade, students select specialized courses in their interest areas. In the 11th grade students will enter a two-year STEM STUDIES major with a science research focus, AP math & science course requirements, and dual credit opportunities, or they may pursue one of seven STEM/STEAM majors with dual credit and AP options. All majors will include work- based learning experiences with experts in fields related to their STEM / STEAM major. AAST embraces the 21st Century STEM Skills as part of its core curriculum.

895 International Dr  |  Myrtle Beach, SC 29579  |  Phone: 843-903-8460  | Robin Jones, Principal 

The Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology is committed to providing a premier educational experience in which all stakeholders effectively collaborate to create and implement curricular strategies that will foster social, technical and intellectual growth for all students.

Entrance Requirements The STEM program at AAST has an online application process without an

interview component. Admittance is based on aptitude scores, past

academic performance, and interest inventory results that reflect alignment

with their interest in a STEM related career strand. The STEM program

accepts a select group of 100 rising ninth grade students per year. HCS will

maintain a waiting list for admissions into this special program through June 1.

!Additional Information

Since AAST is a program, students may participate in extracurricular

opportunities at the base high school if that same opportunity is not offered at

AAST. Transportation is provided to and from AAST. Pickup times and

locations vary with each high school zone. AAST strives to offer a well-

rounded educational experience which provides both mental and physical

opportunities for growth. Towards this end, AAST students may participate in athletic programs through

their base schools.

Horry County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, immigrant status, English-speaking status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or S.C. law in its programs or activities. For questions regarding the nondiscrimination policies call 843-488-6700, or write Horry County Schools, 335 Four Mile Rd., Conway, SC 29526.

Awards & Recognitions •AAST earned AdvancED’s

certification as an accredited STEM School. One of a total 76 certified internationally as of the 2016-17 school year.

•AAST’s 2017 SAT average of 1155 ( 2 part) exceeds the state and national SAT mean composite scores ( SC=1058, US=1054). AASTs 2017 ACT average of 24.2 exceeds the state and national mean composite scores (SC -18.7, US -21.0). In past three years, the average SAT and ACT composite scores have increased annually.

•Students End of Course exam results in English 1 Biology 1, and Algebra 1 have reflected 100% pass rates for the past three years, and US History students have achieved an average 95% EOC pass rate in 2016 & 2017.

•2017 Advanced Placement (AP) scores averaged 86% across 15 AP subject exams. The SC mean pass rate reflected 57%. The AAST faculty includes 6 AP recognized national exam readers.

•AAST’s faculty includes many award winning professionals recognized for their educational leadership, technology savvy, and educational innovation.

The mission of the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology, a 9-12 STEM school organized around specific career majors, is to ensure that our students are successfully prepared to enter their career of choice or next level of education in pursuit of life goals through personalized, integrated, technologically supported, standards-based programs of study.

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Realize The Possibilities at AAST

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