Magnet schools are innovative schools that provide high quality programs typically organized around a “theme” or area of interest, which in our case would be Career and Technical Education (CTE). They tend to be smaller schools, and they offer a more focused and individualized educational experience for students.

• The Albertville Innovation Academy is a public school within the ACS system, which means students will have full access to other resources within the school and the school system, including fine arts and extracurricular programs. 

• We will offer dedicated classes with specific instruction, which will attract the finest and most dedicated students who are passionate about those CTE programs. 

• Magnet schools uniquely integrate CTE with a strong academic focus, providing students with a comprehensive educational experience that not only prepares them for college but also equips them for the skills needed for successful careers or military service. 

• Magnet schools better prepare students to advance their studies/career in an accelerated and specialized manner. The curriculum, and the professional development that supports it, promotes higher level cognitive thinking and uses a “hands on – minds on” approach to learning that is inquiry or performance/project based. 

• Magnet schools consistently have higher attendance rates, graduation rates and lower drop-out rates. Plus, students receive more instructional time in their pathway.

Magnet schools offer communities a range of benefits, including enhanced educational opportunities, improved academic performance, and greater school choice. They promote diversity, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and can attract residents and businesses, thereby contributing to community investment and economic development. A successful magnet school can enhance the community’s reputation and the entire school system’s quality.

The first year of administration costs and the cost to equip the school will be the only financial implications for the school system to initiate a new magnet school. The new CTE building was made possible by funds set aside from Governor Kay Ivey. The city, nor the Albertville Board of Education, will be in any debt regarding the new facility. 

The Albertville Innovation Academy will not be a private or tuition-based school. It is a public school. There will not be any additional costs to attend.

Yes!  Students attending the AIA will have the opportunity to engage in an array of extracurricular activities. Our aim is to provide a balanced and enriching education that goes beyond the classroom. 

Students will be required to meet entrance criteria and will be chosen based on a competitive application process similar to the one used for the last two years. AIA will only be open to Albertville students.

The establishment of the magnet school will have no adverse impact on the existing schools within the district. Our aim is to create an additional education option, designed to enrich the choices available to students and families. The resources and focus allocated to the magnet school are separate, and it will operate in a way that does not disrupt the operations of our other schools.

In addition to the specialized programs, students at AIA will receive comprehensive instruction in core academic subjects, which includes English, math, science, history, and other essential subjects. This ensures that students not only excel in their chosen fields but also maintain a strong academic foundation that prepares them for college and career success. 

Current enrolled students will be required to reapply for their pathway at the magnet school on an annual basis, mirroring the application process they have been following at the high school.

Students who choose to stay enrolled at AHS will continue to have CTE opportunities as well. We are committed to ensuring that CTE programs continue to be available for all students, regardless of their choice to attend the magnet school or stay at AHS. These opportunities include:

• Agriscience: General Agriculture

• Business Administration Services

• Culinary Arts

• Financial Management Services

• Health Science

• Marketing

• Sports Medicine

• Recreation, Travel and Tourism 

Students at the high school will also have the opportunity to participate in magnet school pathways.

Students will have the opportunity to apply this spring for the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

AIA will provide hands-on training and education in the following pathways:

• Additive Manufacturing

• AggieVision: Advertising Design

• AggieVision: Television Production

• Agriscience: Animal Science

• Agriscience: Building and Construction

• Agriscience: Plant Science

• Cybersecurity

• Education and Training

• Health Science: Emergency Medicine

• Health Science: Patient Care

• Health Science: Sports Medicine

• Precision Machining

• Welding

Students attending AIA will spend the entire day in the new state-of-the-art facility, where all of their classes will be housed. In addition to the specialized programs, magnet school students will receive comprehensive instruction in core academic and other essential subjects as well. One of the benefits of a magnet school will be extended instructional time in CTE pathways.

Yes! Bus transportation will be provided for students attending AIA.

Yes! AIA students can benefit from the flexibility of participating in dual enrollment programs for both core academic and CTE courses, allowing them to earn college credits while still in high school. Additionally, our dedicated teachers and advisors will provide comprehensive guidance on college preparation, ensuring that students are well-informed and supported if they choose to navigate their academic journey beyond high school.

Graduating from AIA will be a distinct achievement, and the diploma awarded will reflect this accomplishment. The diploma would bear the name and emblem of AIA, indicating that the graduate has successfully completed a specialized program in addition to core academic requirements. Graduation for AIA students will take place alongside Albertville High School students in a joint ceremony.

Yes! The Albertville Innovation Academy is an accredited school and have the same requirements set by the Alabama State Department of Education for graduation.

While there is no guarantee, it is definitely a possibility. As a secondary benefit, AIA could possibly allow Albertville High School to be classified as a 6A program.