OVERVIEW OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Benjamin E. Mays High School students and faculty are divided into six small learning communities/academies (SLCs).  While the principal oversees the school as a whole and focuses on building-wide issues, an assistant principal administers each academy.  The students’ enjoy enormous academic successes from being a part of small learning communities/academy. Since students ideally remain within the same SLC for their entire academic career, this organizational structure allows teachers, counselors, administrators, parents and students to foster close relationships and ensure greater opportunities for success.  The SLCs are:

Science and Mathematics Academy

The mission of the Benjamin E. Mays Academy of Science and Mathematics is to promote the pursuit of scientific ideas by providing a challenging, comprehensive curriculum of traditional and contemporary science and mathematics that will allow students to contribute to the educational, cultural, economic and social advancement of our society. Students are prepared for careers in engineering, computer science, health science, medicine or mathematics. Academy curriculum includes honors core courses, independent research, summer internships and Advanced Placement courses (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Computer Science, World History, United States History, Language Arts and Literature.)

BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACADEMY

The Academy of Business Entrepreneurship provides opportunities for students to develop interests, skills and knowledge in select aspects of business and office occupations, i.e., computer applications, banking, finance, and professional food services.  The business and entrepreneurship program also provides a cooperative work-training program for seniors that are preparing for full time employment.

MASS COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMY

The Academy of Mass Communications provides students with knowledge, skills and hands on experiences needed to communicate.  The mass communication program integrates recent trends in the area of broadcast video, graphic arts and multimedia/web page design by developing skills in basic theory and practice.  Students engage in career preparation, practical experiences, problem-solving activities and projects.  Internships are available for advanced students.

APPLIED SCIENCES ACADEMY

The Academy of Applied Sciences grants students an opportunity to apply knowledge from one or more scientific fields to practical problems. Students will attain knowledge in healthcare science and design technology.  The healthcare program utilizes an industry-based curriculum that enhances academic foundations and hands on experiences.  The design technology program allows students to create projects that are both architectural and engineering in nature.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ACADEMY

The Academy of Public Administration will increase students understanding of law and government, and the military in the 21st Century.  The public administration program provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and to acquire the training needed to complete successfully in a global society.  Students in the Academy of Public Administration will graduate with a rich foundation of public policy.

Eagle Academy

In an effort to improve the academic success of male students at Benjamin E. Mays High School, the Eagle Academy for Young Men will begin in August 2007.   Members of the Eagle Academy are expected to uphold the core values of the academy, which are:  Academic Excellence, Leadership Development, Character Development, Mentoring, Community Service and Professional Dress.   Students who are part of the Eagle Academy will develop leadership traits that will enable them to lead successful and productive lives after high school.  Eagle Scholars will be equipped with the necessary skills to successfully enter colleges and universities around the world.

Special Education
The Program for Exceptional Children (PEC) pro¬gram offers courses for eligible students. Students who are Specific Learning Disabled or Emotionally Handicapped are taught in the Interrelated setting. Students who earn the regular diploma must pass the Georgia High School Graduation Test. A Special Education Diploma is awarded to students with disabilities assigned to a special education program who have not completed all of the requirements of a high school diploma but who have completed their Individual Education Programs (IEP).

Gifted Program.
Gifted students are taught in either inclusion classes with honors students or self-contained classes with only gifted students. Educable Mentally Handicapped students are in classes designed to meet their academic and vocational needs. Each PEC student must have a current Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and psychological testing to qualify for placement in PEC classes. The IEP is reviewed at least once a year. It can be changed as a student progresses and changes.



Broadcast / Video Production
Courses designed to integrate recent trends in the study of mass communications by developing skills in basic theory, practice and operations of a television studio, the portable camera, and videotape editing, video film equipment operation, and performing arts. Internships are available for advanced students.

Drafting / Design Technology
The Architectural Drafting Program provides a professional studio environment that allows students to create projects that are both architectural and engineering in nature. During grades 10-12, students will be exposed to computer-aided drafting end design as well as traditional drafting and design, model making, and presentation. During the senior year, the student's work is expected to be completed to Industry standards. After graduation, students will be able to work as draftspersons or compete successfully while studying architecture and other related professions and engineering. .

Health Care Science
Courses designed to expose students to healthcare science skills including the concepts of health, wellness, and preventive care, medical terminology, microbiology, basic life support skills, ethical and legal responsibilities. Students are prepared for entry-level employment and / or post secondary education.

JROTC / Military Academy
The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Academy provides unique training for students who are strongly motivated and wish a distinctive educational experience. Students who choose JROTC will be privileged to study in an environment of focused learning provided by mentors, teachers, and retired military teaching partners. The expectation of the JROTC Academy is that students will "use their minds well" in an atmosphere that stimulates curiosity. The JROTC Academy will provide the training needed by youth to compete in a changing global society.

Law and Government
The Law and Government Program is designed for students interested in careers in politics and / or the legal industry. Students must complete one of the following senior projects in the program: (1) implementing a mock political campaign (surveying the needs of constituents, hosting a political debate, etc.), or (2) preparing a criminal / civil cases as an attorney for mock trial (researching precedent and statutes of charge, preparing direct cross examination, etc. Students in this program will graduate with a rich foundation in these two areas.

Fine Arts: Music, Visual
Music: This program provides students, who desire to enhance their musical ability, an opportunity to concentrate on performance in instrumental or vocal music, history composition, technology, recording, songwriting, and music theory. Students can excel from basic to advanced levels in performance and theory over a four year period. At the completion of four years, students will be able to make a definitive decision for music as a career.

Visual: The Visual Arts Program is designed to acquaint students with man's critical and cultural knowledge and achievements relative to art. It also provides opportunities for productive thinking through student participation in drawing, painting, and modeling activities. Students enrolled in this program will become members of the Art Club They will sponsor various activities in and around school to beautify the campus and to expose the student body to the many facets of art displays, demonstrations, and hands-on projects. Field experiences and co-ops with agencies outside of the school for community service and compensation.

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