What is the Wheeler Center for Advanced Studies?
The Center for Advanced Studies is a competitive admissions science, math & technology magnet program housed at Wheeler High School.
What is a magnet program?
As the name implies, a magnet is a specialized program within an existing school designed to “attract” students with a strong aptitude in one or more specialized areas.
What type of magnet is the Wheeler Center for Advanced Studies?
Wheeler’s magnet program is a Science and Math magnet. Technology is heavily integrated into these areas. In addition to the core academic requirements magnet student are required to take 10 math/science core classes & 4 technology electives. The Center specializes in several areas including Engineering, Robotics, Medical Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, and Communications/Information Technology.
Are magnet student still a part of Wheeler High School?
Absolutely. Magnet students typically take their math, science, and technology classes in the magnet building with other magnet students while other subjects are taken in the main high school building. Since magnet student schedules tend to be similar, students often move as a group to their non-magnet classes.
Will magnet students be able to participate in all other activities?
Yes. Students in the magnet program will be full-time Wheeler students and will be eligible to participate in all Wheeler sports and extracurricular programs.
From where do the magnets students come?
Students come from all over Cobb County and frequently apply from out-of-state in hopes of gaining acceptance. Current students come from over 50 different public, private and home school environments. In addition dozens of foreign countries are represented in the student body and it is not unusual to overhear conversations in multiple languages.
How many students are in the Center for Advanced Studies?
There are presently around 509 students in the program. Each year, the Center accepts approximately 100 new freshmen.
Are magnet students expected to maintain a certain academic standard to remain in the program?
Yes. Magnet students must maintain a B average or above in science & math classes. Students who receive a grade below a B in two science/math core classes are placed on academic probation. In addition, Magnet students must receive a passing grade in all math and science classes to remain in the magnet program.
Can a student drop out of the program?
We hope that doesn’t happen! However magnet students sometimes find the program is not a good fit and they can drop the program. However, if they live in the Wheeler district, they must still meet all existing high school graduation requirements of non-magnet students. Students from outside the Wheeler attendance zone who leave the program must return to their districted high school and will be subject to Georgia High School Association rules for transfer students. Typically, this means that the student would not be allowed to participate in competitive varsity sports for one year
How does a student apply to be a part of the Center for Advanced Studies?
The program is designed for entry at the ninth grade level. Students who are interested in applying must apply in the fall of eighth grade. The deadline for application is always the first Friday of December. Applicants are evaluated on a number of criteria including middle school grades, math & science tests, teacher evaluations, and standardized tests. An admissions test (typically the PSAT) is administered by the school in late January. Students are then ranked according to these criteria, and top students receive an offer of admission in early March.
What are the qualifications for magnet students?
Because the program is a science and math magnet, students are expected to have a strong aptitude in these areas and must be accelerated, especially in math. For example, students must be in a position to enter the program at the Accelerated Math 1 or Accelerated Math 2 level.
What type of transportation will be offered to magnet students from outside the Wheeler attendance zone and when will these routes be known?
The county provides arterial transportation to out-of-zone magnet students. These routes have specific drop-off and pick-up points. Transportation routes may be view at www.wheelermagnet.com under the transportation link.
What makes the magnet program different than other specialized programs?
The acceleration, depth and breadth of the curriculum and the integration of technology help set apart the Center for Advanced Studies from other specialized programs. Moreover, the student’s senior year research and related internship go far beyond the normal scope of traditional and specialized programs. Students have the opportunity to become involved in nationally recognized competitions such as the Siemens-Westinghouse, Intel Talent Search, BEST Robotics and FIRST Robotics competitions. The fact that students are also able to participate in all other facets of traditional high school education is an added bonus.
Does the emphasis on academics prevent students from participating in other non-academic activities?
No, the opposite is true. While there is a heavy science and math academic focus, students are encouraged to get a well-rounded education and to participate in all aspects of high school life. In fact, most of the students do so. Wheeler’s Fine Arts, Journalism, Music, and Athletic programs have many program students involved. Many of our students become leaders in their non-curricular activities.
How would you measure the success of the program to this point?
The strongest measure of success can be viewed in the retention rate of students. Over 95% of the students who were academically eligible have chosen to remain in the program. Another positive measure includes the success of the students on such measures as the SAT and National Merit programs. The composite average for the SAT for the 2009 graduating class was 1942. That is more than 430 points above the national average. Since 2004, 34 Center students have been named National merit finalists. Three students have scored perfect 1600’s and 2400 respectively on the SAT and 58 have scored perfect 800’s on one or more sections of the SAT. More importantly, the students in the program have achieved in a number of non-tangible areas such as volunteer work, leadership activities, and other non-academic areas such as music, drama, and athletics.
Is the program a member of any magnet related organizations?
The Center for Advanced Studies is a member of the National Consortium of Specialized Secondary Schools in Math, Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST). The NCSSSMST offers a strong support and contact network. Nearly 100 of the nation’s top magnet programs and close to 100 top universities are part of the membership. The consortium holds annual professional and student conferences, summer workshops, and publishes a professional journal in which students and faculty may submit research. All of the schools work collaboratively to ensure that the curriculum is rigorous and relevant and well prepares students for post-secondary education. For further information see the NCSSSMST website.
