Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is proud to announce Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology (RMSST), the first high school in Georgia to receive STEM Certification, was awarded STEM recertification by the Georgia Department of Education. State School Superintendent Richard Woods presented RMSST with recertification in a recognition ceremony at RMSST.

“We are proud of the continued excellence at the Rockdale Magnet School demonstrated by the teachers, students and leadership on an ongoing basis,” said RCPS Superintendent Richard Autry. “Maintaining and improving upon such a high level is an extraordinary achievement. Our district has two state-certified STEM programs – the Magnet program and STEM Academy at Memorial Middle – out of about 50 in the state. We are looking forward to adding the STEM Program at Honey Creek Elementary to the growing list of state-certified STEM programs in Rockdale County Public Schools.”

“Every day, the teachers and students at the Rockdale Magnet School demand nothing but the best of each other, and we are honored our hard work has been recognized,” said RMSST Director Dr. Debra Arnold. “We are committed to providing rigorous inquiry-based learning, STEM instruction, project-based curricula and opportunities for our students to grow and explore STEM fields. This recertification is a testament to the rigor and depth of learning taking place at the Rockdale Magnet School.”

Highlights of RMSST’s application include three years of scientific research every student must complete and a senior scientific capstone experience. Students enter their research in a variety of national and international STEM competitions, challenges, and science and engineering fairs during their four years at the school. Additionally, most students participate in an intense internship with business partners that allow them to explore career options.

Last year’s seniors collectively received over $7.1 million in college scholarships. The school’s average ACT score was 27 out of a possible 36, and the average SAT score was 1747 out of a possible 2400.

RMSST, established in 2000, was the first Georgia high school to receive STEM Certification on May 15, 2012. Certification is required every five years. STEM recertification is the result of a rigorous application by the school and a site visit by Georgia Department of Education officials who make a determination if the school meets the criteria set forth in the application process. Only about 40 percent of schools that apply for STEM Certification are approved, according to Georgia Department of Education officials.