Marietta school gets unique designation

The Georgia Department of Education has given the Marietta Center for Advanced Academics its first science, technology, engineering and mathematics certification.

Schools must meet rigorous criteria to be certified as a STEM school. Department officials visit schools that apply for STEM certification to see if teachers collaborate and to learn if the school has a partnership with local business and industry members. High levels of math and science must be offered for a school to receive STEM certification.