Guilford County Schools Receives Grant to Expand Magnet Programs

The Grant will allow GCS to Establish an Aviation Academy and Expand Current Programs

Contact: Haley Miller (336) 370-3200
Created: 9/24/2007 5:17:55 PM

GCS has been selected to receive funding under the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) from the U.S. Department of Education. With the grant, the district will establish an aviation academy and expand the International Baccalaureate (IB), Montessori and Science and Technology programs.

“We are pleased that we were selected to receive an MSAP grant,” said Tony Lamair Burks II, director of magnet and choice schools. “The funding will enable us to advance themes and programs that promote and expand public school choice and meet the needs and interests of the Guilford County community. I am especially excited about the Aviation Academy and its ties to the business community.”

Andrews High is the proposed location for the Aviation Academy, a magnet program that will provide students with a unique opportunity to learn aviation-related science, mathematics and technology. The program will capitalize on engineering and advanced technology courses currently offered at Andrews and will engage students in learning by asking them to solve authentic, “real world” problems.

The grant will also go toward the IB Primary Years Programme at Northwood Elementary and the IB Middle Years Programme at Hairston Middle and Ferndale Middle. Both of these programs will complement existing GCS magnet and choice options by offering a continuum of the IB curriculum from kindergarten through grade 12 throughout the district. The three schools will enter the “Consideration” phase, which includes: obtaining appropriate IB publications, examining IB programme philosophy and curriculum, conducting a feasibility study on possible outcomes and arranging for staff to take IBO-approved training. IB schools will continue to serve students in their assigned district. However, the grant will allow Northwood, Ferndale and Hairston to accept new students from other schools, giving even more children an opportunity for the high-quality, challenging and international education IB can offer.

Montessori, a personalized approach to learning which recognizes that each child learns with a unique style and pace, is a popular magnet program already in place at two schools in the district. Thanks to this MSAP grant, GCS will be able to expand the Montessori program to Washington Elementary.

Finally, GCS will have the opportunity to add a Science and Technology program at Welborn Middle. Welborn students will benefit from the integration of science, technology and mathematics throughout the curriculum.

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.