The Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy (BASA) is a public school that will open in the Barrow County School System in the Fall of 2020. As a school of choice, any high school student who lives in Barrow County will have the opportunity to apply. A lottery system will be put into place if more than 600 students apply.

We are very excited that BASA will use the academy model to more effectively engage students in their long-term goals and career interests. In this unique approach to high school, the larger school will be broken down into several smaller academies. Each academy will focus on a specific theme. In addition to relevant, state-of-the-art electives being offered in these academies, students’ core academic courses will also integrate the academy theme.

For example, if a student enrolls in the Life & Health Science academy they may write their essays in English class using research they have found in medical journals. In an Art & Design academy, students could learn through sculpting or painting the components of a cell. We believe that this will lead to higher levels of student engagement and performance.

Students will have a voice in the specific academies that are offered. Some examples that are being discussed include:

• Art & Design
• Music & Dance
• Theatre & Film
• Life & Health Science
• Math, Science, & Engineering, and
• Technology & Computer Science.

We welcome your feedback and questions on this new school concept. Please reach out to the principal, Dr. Dale Simpson, at dale.simpson@barrow.k12.ga.us for additional information.