Currents

Kentucky Opens Academy of Mathematics and Science

Volume 7 / Issue 4 / Summer 2007

In August, 120 of Kentucky’s brightest students will begin the school year at the state-supported Kentucky Academy of Mathematics and Science. As its name implies, the school will focus on a strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum and is similar to residential science and math schools in fourteen U.S. states (nine in the Southeast). The inaugural class of juniors (and seniors for the first year only) was admitted based on an application with essays, recommendations, transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and an interview. Based on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, students will take university classes, engage in research, and live in a renovated residence hall that includes dorm rooms and community living space. Each student will earn 60 hours of university credit in addition to a high school diploma during the two years that they attend.

The Academy is funded by the Kentucky general assembly and is open to residents of the Commonwealth only. The school’s budget includes salaries for staff members and tuition, room, and board for all students. The state’s goals are to provide appropriately challenging academic experiences for these bright students and increase the number of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians in the state thereby promoting economic growth. For more information about other state-supported schools of science and math visit the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science, and Technology.

—Bobbie Collins-Perry