About Us
  Welcome
  FAQ's
  Center History
  Matriculation
  News Archive
  Facilities

The Center for Advanced Studies Foundation

In 1996, planning began for a magnet program to be housed at Wheeler High School. School board member Gordon O'Neill was a driving force in the creation of what is now known as The Center for Advanced Studies in Science, Math and Technology. In the fall of 1997, under the leadership of principal Dr. Tom Higgins and science department chair, Cathie Banks, a planning committee of school officials &, community leaders determined that the program would have a science, math, & technology focus basis, with emphasis in biotechnology and engineering. Approval of the SPLOST (Special Local Options Sales Tax) referendum provided financing for the building and in the fall of 1999 classes began with a small group of brave teachers and students under the leadership of program director Gregg Farmer.

Each year thereafter between 85 and 100 highly qualified freshmen entered the program. In the spring of 2004, the first group of students graduated who had been in the program for all four years. This impressive group claimed ten students who scored a perfect 800 on the math portion of the SAT. The 800 club as it is now known began a tradition of excellence that continues today. It is not unusual for students to join the club each time the test is given. Top students from around the Atlanta region vie for the limited number of spots in the now very competitive admissions process and graduates of the program are regularly recruited by top colleges

In 2003, a nonprofit foundation was created in order to provide volunteer and financial support for the maturing program. With state-of-the-art facilities, a dedicated faculty, highly qualified students, and strong community, business, post-secondary, and parental support, the Center for Advanced Studies is thriving. Our goal is to become one of the nation’s premier math, science, and technology magnet programs. We are succeeding.

A two-story glass atrium and new science labs are being added with scheduled completion in the fall of 2007. The magnet program is dynamic. Each year it will grow and change to best serve our students.