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

• Utilize modern classrooms and blended-learning models to offer personalized, studentcentered 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 teaches students to see the world through multiple lenses and be advocates for others.
• Current Grace James middle school students will be in an accelerated career pathways program (due to exposure to Explore Pathways).
• Beyond the CROWN: The goal is to implement off-campus internships and coop opportunities that are aligned with career pathways.

Career Pathways

• Health Science
  • Coop 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/Informatics
  • Collaboration with Microsoft Future Initiative
  • Industry-specific certifications and dual-credit  opportunities
• Working toward implementing the Early College Program