Theme schools go beyond the traditional high school experience

     Maxwell High School’s career and technical education programs achieved exceptional results this past year. At the SkillsUSA Georgia State Conference, 80 Maxwell students competed, with 47 placing in their contests, including 13 first-place finishes, sending 15 state champions to the national championships. The district’s Future Health Professionals (HOSA) team earned second place at the state competition for the third consecutive year, while Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members collected more than 800 food items for the Quinn House, and 440 diapers for Helping Mamas. Maxwell High School of Technology Culinary Arts student Dayla Brown was named ProStart Student of the Year, and Chef Belinda Delvasto received Georgia’s 2025 ProStart Teacher of the Year honors. Maxwell’s automotive programs set a record with students earning 899 Automotive Service Excellence certifications, while the Flight Operations team placed third at the state aviation challenge and Architecture students finished in the top three across multiple design competitions. These achievements demonstrate Maxwell’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers through hands-on learning and real-world experiences.

     Seckinger High School begins its fourth year preparing students for an AI-infused future. AI-Ready learning includes both discrete and embedded AI learning experiences to build literacy and technical skills related to AI. Students at Seckinger High can participate in the three-course discrete AI pathway, which dives beyond literacy to rigorous technical learning for those interested in an AI developer career path. Students can also participate in pathways such as Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Marketing, Audio Video Technology and Film, and International Business. All students in the school focus on developing the skills needed to be responsible and ethical users, decision-makers, and problem-solvers with AI. The Seckinger cluster continues to be a nationally recognized model for innovative and future-ready K-12 education.

     Paul Duke STEM High School is beginning its eighth year and growing its technology offerings to students. All students at Paul Duke STEM High start with introductory courses in computer science, engineering, mechatronics, graphic design, or film, which launches their STEM-focused career exploration. Students can earn industry certification, preparing them to enter the workforce to pursue postsecondary opportunities in high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand STEM career fields, including growing areas in computer science. One of these areas is Cybersecurity, a rapidly growing career area. At Paul Duke STEM High, students have multiple cybersecurity options. About 50 students complete the on-campus cybersecurity pathway each year, while others earn college credit towards an associate degree through dual enrollment with Gwinnett Technical College. Additionally, approximately 25 juniors and seniors from Paul Duke STEM High School have the opportunity to participate in a cybersecurity experience with the FBI’s Atlanta Office and take two dual-enrollment courses at Mercer University’s Atlanta campus.

     At McClure Health Science High School, the mission is to awaken the wonder and spark curiosity, purpose, and passion in each and every student as they explore the world of healthcare. Now in its sixth year, McClure offers a dynamic, college-preparatory experience that blends rigorous academics with real-world exposure to the medical field. Through a specialized curriculum focused on health science, students dive deep into industry-relevant knowledge while developing the skills and certifications necessary for success in both postsecondary education and healthcare careers.  McClure Health Science High offers five distinct healthcare-focused career pathways, and each pathway is designed to connect classroom learning with practical application, preparing students for a wide range of healthcare roles from nursing and medical technology to therapy, administration, and beyond. By combining hands-on experiences, strong partnerships, and a focus on student-centered growth, we inspire students to lead, serve, and thrive in the ever-evolving world of health and medicine.