On Monday, January 27th Frank Brogan, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education for Elementary and Secondary Education, visited Jemison High School and the Jemison College Academy to highlight National School Choice Week. During the school tour, Assistant Secretary Brogan met with students and faculty members to learn about the variety of curriculum and extracurricular courses offered to all students in Huntsville City Schools, as well as the College Academy Magnet Program.
The Jemison College Academy Magnet Program is a partnership with The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), which offers students a college experience where they can earn up to 60 college credit hours while completing their high school diploma.
Alabama State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Eric Mackey, visited Huntsville High School before joining Mr. Brogan at Jemison High. In addition to the College Academy, the two were able to explore several of Jemison High School’s Career Academies, including Advanced Manufacturing, Health Sciences, and Heavy Equipment Operation.
Mr. Brogan participated in a discussion with the College Academy students and faculty members from UAH to learn about the collaboration between the two schools, as well as the college courses and credits available to students participating in this magnet program.
Mr. Brogan described Huntsville as a thriving and growing part of the future fabric of Alabama, and Jemison High School is very much a part of building our future. The essence of Jemison, Brogan said was “seeing tomorrow’s school in action today”.
Huntsville City Schools Superintendent Christie Finley shared “The City of Huntsville is known for its innovation, and we at Huntsville City Schools are innovating by creating opportunities for our students to connect curriculum with career and workforce.”
This visit to Huntsville is one of many U.S. Department of Education officials are paying to schools across the country to highlight the need to give students the freedom to find the right fit for their education.