NBC29Math and Science Academy to Open

Math and Science Academy to Open

Albemarle County is putting the final touches on a new math and science academy.  The school is called the Math, Engineering, Science Academy, or MESA.

As construction crews are finishing up the addition, students are preparing for a whole new high school experience. The first class will walk through the doors in about a month.

Eric Hahn is one of 70 students in the first ever Math, Engineering, Science Academy class.  "I've always liked math science engineering, taking things apart," shared Hahn. 

The new facility, attached to Albemarle High School, is complete with state-of-the-art classrooms. Each student will also receive a laptop, and the older ones will get an iPod Touch, too.

"The students are going to have many new tools they may not have had in the past," said MESA instructor Steve Bantz.

The idea for the academy was brainstormed after the professional engineering community expressed a need for more highly trained people. According to MESA Director Jeff Prillaman, "MESA is really a vision and a need."

Two teachers will work with the group on math and science for three hours each day.

"We're really integrating both the core SOL classes in both the 9th and 10th grade year and teaching them in sort of this combined curriculum where everything interweaves together," stated Prillaman.

Students who applied are hoping the opportunity will jump start future endeavors.  Hahn shared, "If I go by it in 9th and 10th grade, maybe senior year I could start taking classes at Piedmont [Virginia Community College] so I'd be better prepared for college."

And even though summer is halfway over, they're excited and ready to get back to the books. "I just can't wait to start," said Hahn.

The school is only open to students in Albemarle County. If you don't live in the Albemarle High School district, you do have to take care of providing your own transportation.

Reported by Jenn McDaniel
See Bio / Email