Arts will play a part in Henry County’s new school within a school

Some Stockbridge High School students will be a part of the inaugural Stockbridge STEAM Academy program when the 2013-2014 school year starts in August. The newest “school within a school,” as Principal Eric Watson describes it, will aim to provide a student-centered interdisciplinary education, focused on science, technology, engineering, arts (visual and performing), and mathematics (STEAM), while engaging students to think critically and compete globally. The commonly known STEM focus is growing in popularity and importance throughout the nation, but add one letter to the acronym and it encompasses a greater segment of any school’s climate. “The school leadership team added the Arts (A) in STEAM to reflect its commitment to and recognition of the arts as a critical component of education,” said Watson. About 40 select freshmen and sophomores will be the first to experience the STEAM Academy offerings. Juniors will be added to the mix the following school year. By 2016, all grade levels at the high school will be able to experience the STEAM Academy.