The Forsyth Central High School (FCHS) STEM Academy was implemented in August 2011. The FCHS STEM Academy is a merit based program with strict application requirements and rigorous course plans for the four years of high school. Student completing the STEM Academy program will earn credit in three AP science courses (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) as well as AP Calculus. They are also required to complete a GA Career, Technical and Agricultural Education pathway in Biotechnology, Engineering or both. Along with strict academic performance and course rigor requirements, STEM Academy students are also required to compete in co-curricular academic competitions including but not limited to Science Olympiad, Science Fair, BEST Robotics, FRC Robotics, MATE Robotics, VEX Robotics and an expanding list of science research symposiums. The STEM Academy students also compete in an engineering design challenge each fall that is judged by research scientists and engineers from local industries. The FCHS STEM Academy performs STEM education outreach to elementary and middle school students in the district. In the spring and summer of 2013, they will direct an Elementary Science Olympiad competition for over 200 students and conduct elementary science camps. During their senior year, STEM Academy students will be involved with internships with local industries and research universities.
