Grace M. James Academy of Excellence

Districtwide Gender-Specific Magnet With an Afrocentric STEAM Perspective: Grace James Academy of Excellence illuminates academic excellence in an innovative, nontraditional, multicultural, gender-specific environment. Grace James creates transformative learning spaces where Girls Excelling in Math and Science (GEMS) are empowered as change agents as they learn a rigorous Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum through an Afrocentric lens. Inclusivity and empowerment are at the forefront of our school culture as we focus on social and emotional success through our Collaboration, Resilience, Originality, Willingness, and Narrative (CROWN) Values through a unified sisterhood approach. Every GEM will proudly wear their CROWN at Grace James Academy of Excellence! Ready to join our sisterhood?

School Highlights

• Utilizes modern classrooms and blended-learning models to offer personalized, student-centered learning
• Cross-curriculum STEAM focus in core classes with multiple industry partnerships
• Student voice, advocacy, and service-learning platforms supported through problem-based and Project-Based Learning (PBL) opportunities
• An Afrocentric model that teaches students to see the world through multiple lenses and be advocates for others
• Current Grace James middle school students to be in an accelerated career pathways program (due to exposure to Explore Pathways)
• Beyond the CROWN: Goal of implementing off-campus internships and co-op opportunities that are aligned with career pathways

Career Pathways

• Health Science
  • Co-op opportunities
  • Industry-specific certifications and dual-credit opportunities
• Engineering and Design
  • In collaboration with local universities and community partners
  • Exploratory program aimed at getting students exposed to all engineering fields so they can make informed decisions when choosing a career
  • Engineering certifications and dual-credit opportunities
• Data Science
  • Collaboration with Microsoft Future Initiative
  • Industry-specific certifications and dual-credit opportunities
• Working toward implementing the Early College Program

Middle School

Grace James Academy of Excellence is a sixth- through twelfth-grade program that empowers its GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science) to boldly conquer limitless possibilities through an inclusive and personalized curriculum.

School Highlights

• Gender Specific Magnet for Girls
• Core classes with a cross-curriculum Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) focus
• Advance Program and programming for Gifted and Talented students
• STEAM Exploration and Exposure 
• Gender-Specific Skill Development
• Afrocentric Integration
• Athletics: volleyball, basketball, track and field, cross-country, soccer, cheerleading, softball, field hockey, archery, tennis, Step Team, dance, All-County Dance, Winterguard 

Explore Pathways

• Business & Communication: Students learn about concepts within the business world, such as personal finance, entrepreneurship, marketing and advertising, developing sales strategies, planning out their own business/company, or even the infrastructure of a whole town.
• Healthcare Science: Students experience the field of Healthcare Science by engaging in activities focused on the medical field. From first aid/CPR to biology to different careers in Healthcare Science, students learn the skills needed in today’s medical settings.
• Engineering & Design: Students are introduced to the world of engineering and design by learning about the design process and applying that learning in hands-on activities, such as robotics, city design, construction, and 3D modeling.