The Center for Advanced Studies
in Science, Math & Technology
Wheeler High School
Technology
LEADING
THE NATION
IN
STEM
Physics
EDUCATION
Chemistry
Biology
Math
Fine Arts
Research
Phone: 770-578-3286
Fax: 770-578-3287
www.wheelermagnet.com
The Center for Advanced Studies
in Science, Math & Technology
Wheeler High School
The Center for Advanced Studies is a magnet program located on the
campus of Wheeler High School in the Cobb County School District. The program offers accelerated Cobb
County students the opportunity to participate in a rigorous four-year advanced science, math, and technology
program of study, much of which is unavailable in a traditional high school curriculum. The Center is housed in
a 35,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for the program. Its curriculum is infused with
the latest in educational technology and is supplemented with an array of high-tech elective courses.
The Center accepts an average of 100 students annually in a highly competitive admissions process. Out-ofdistrict students accepted into the program become fulltime Wheeler students and have all the rights and
privileges accorded to in-district students. The Center has approximately 400 of Cobb County’s brightest
students participating in this unique and innovative program.
The Center for Advanced Studies is a member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of
Math, Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST). This nationally reputable organization is comprised of the top
private, residential, and public high school magnet programs in the nation as well as nearly 100 top universities.
Member institutions collaborate in rigorous course development integrating the latest and most effective
practices available. More information for this organization is available at www.ncsssmst.org.
An accelerated, advanced, and innovative STEM curriculum differentiates the Center from other traditional
high school programs. Its emphasis on engineering, medical biotechnology, and advanced chemistry along with
a strong and accelerated math curriculum makes it one of the most specialized high school programs in the
nation. By the end of their sophomore year, the typical Center students will have completed all required high
school science courses. This enables the students in their upper-class years to choose from an array of highly
specialized courses created specifically for the program. Students culminate their studies with our capstone
Research and Internship courses. Each senior is responsible for identifying areas of specific personal interest
and arranging to work with a mentor who is an expert in that field. The mentor serves as a guide and resource,
supervising original or ongoing research before or during the student's senior year.
The Center offers traditional math and science Advanced Placement (AP) courses such as AP Chemistry, AP
Biology, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science, AP Statistics, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP
Computer Science. Specialized classes such as Forensics/Biochemistry, DNA/Genetics Research, Advanced
Physics and Robotics Principles, Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, Aerospace
Engineering, and Advanced Calculus II & III (via video conferencing with Georgia Tech) go far beyond the
traditional high school offerings and are typically equivalent to early undergraduate college coursework.
Wheeler High School also offers a full array of other AP courses in English, Social Studies, Foreign Language,
Art, and Music from which magnet students can choose. Completing a program consisting of AP and Post-AP
courses, specialized math and science courses, high-level technology electives and heavy integration of
technology into the traditional curriculum, Center students will be well prepared for the challenges that await
them at the post-secondary level and beyond.
382 Students Presently Enrolled from 54 Different Schools
38% Females
62% Males
In 1996, planning began for a magnet program to be housed at Wheeler High
School. School board member Gordon O'Neill was a driving force in the
creation of what is now known as The Center for Advanced Studies in
Science, Math and Technology. In the fall of 1997, under the leadership of principal Dr. Tom Higgins and
science department chair, Cathie Banks, a planning committee of school officials & community leaders
determined that the program would have a science, math, & technology focus basis, with emphasis in
biotechnology and engineering. Approval of the SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax)
referendum provided financing for the building and in the fall of 1999 classes began with a small group of brave
teachers and students under the leadership of program director Gregg Farmer.
Each year thereafter between 85 and 140 highly qualified freshmen entered the
program. In the spring of 2004, the first group of students graduated who had
been in the program for all four years. This impressive group claimed ten students
who scored a perfect 800 on the math portion of the SAT. The 800 club, as it is
now known, began a tradition of excellence that continues today. It is not unusual
for students to join the club each time the test is given. Top students from around
the Cobb County School District vie for the limited number of spots in the now
very competitive admissions process and graduates of the program are regularly
recruited by top colleges.
In 2003, a nonprofit foundation was created in order to provide volunteer and
financial support for the maturing program. With state-of-the-art facilities, a
dedicated faculty, highly qualified students, and strong community, business,
post-secondary, and parental support, the Center for Advanced Studies is thriving.
A two-story glass atrium and new science labs were added in the fall of 2007. The
magnet program is dynamic. Each year it will grow and change to best serve our
students. The magnet program received Georgia STEM Program Certification in
September 2012. This prestigious certification is awarded by the Georgia Department
of Education to schools in Georgia who lead the way in STEM education. Wheeler
has become a model for schools across the state who are interested in starting and
developing STEM programs. As a result our program was recognized for STEM
Outreach by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) in September 2014.
The Center for Advanced Studies Program is primarily housed in a
35,000 square foot, multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art facility. The
building was dedicated in May 2001 in honor of the late Everett Coker, a
former Wheeler math teacher and Georgia Teacher of the Year. In
August 2007 a new 8 classroom science building, adjoining the magnet
building was opened allowing for further expansion of the magnet
program. The building also houses a robotics/engineering workshop and a research lab. The Science building
was dedicated in honor of the late Cathie Banks who was one of the founders of the Magnet program. Her
positive influence on Wheeler students, parents, and faculty as a science teacher, department chair and Magnet
Academic Adviser can still be felt today.
The Magnet Building is equipped with the latest in educational technology and includes:
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Specialized Biology, Chemistry, Forensics/Biochemistry, DNA, Robotics, and Physics labs
Wifi access for student’s personal devices
 Gel Doc XR+
Five 3D Printers
 Transluminator
 Centrifuges
Two CNC Mills
Distance learning lab with video
 iPads for all Magnet Teachers
conferencing capabilities
 Two Class sets of Google Chromebooks
Chemical Reactor/Biofermentor
 PASCO Probeware for all Science classes
Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer
 MATLAB software for Advanced Math,
UV-Vis
Engineering, and Physics classes
Multiple PCR Systems
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The Center offers an accelerated and advanced course of study focusing on
medical biotechnology, engineering/robotics, chemical engineering and advanced
chemistry. The program culminates in senior research and internships with local
business and institution partners.
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Students finish traditional high school science requirements by the end of their
sophomore year allowing for non-traditional specialized courses in upper grades.
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Non-magnet classes are taken in the Wheeler mainstream (typically honors and AP in Social Studies, English, and
Foreign Language).
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Numerous non-traditional specialized courses have been created by the Center and are offered to Magnet students.
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All freshmen magnet students take a Magnet Foundations or Foundations of Engineering course to prepare them for
the various technologies and skills necessary to be successful in the program.
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All students are required to complete 3 additional Magnet approved Technology electives.
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Students completing all program requirements will receive a high school diploma with a magnet seal. All magnet
students will complete a minimum of 32 Carnegie units including at least 10 units in magnet math and science
courses.
Science, Math, and Technology Course Offerings for Magnet Students
Science
Technology
Biology
Electronics Pathway
Magnet Biology
Magnet Biochemistry
AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
Advanced DNA/Genetics Research
Foundations of Electronics
Advanced AC & DC Circuits
Digital Electronics
Telecommunications*
Chemistry
Therapeutic Svs - Emerg Medical
Responder Pathway
Physics
Therapeutic Services - Allied Health
Pathway
Math
Audio & Video Technology & Film
Pathway
Magnet Chemistry
AP Chemistry
Chemical Engineering/Materials Science
Organic Chemistry
Magnet Physics
AP Physics 1 & 2 & AP Physics C
Advanced Physics/Robotics Principles
Aerospace Engineering
Acc CCGPS Coord Alg/Analytic Geom A
Acc CCGPS Analyt Geom B/Adv Algebra
CCGPS Pre-Calculus
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
Georgia Tech Calculus II
Georgia Tech Calculus III
Honors Multivariable Calculus
Advanced Math Topics
Magnet Capstone Experience
Advanced Scientific Research
Advanced Scientific Internship
Intro to Healthcare Science
Emergency and Disaster Preparedness
Concept of Emergency Medicine
Intro to Healthcare Science
Application of Therapeutic Services
General Medicine
Audio Video Technology Film
Broadcast/Video Production II
Broadcast/Video Production III
Broadcast/Video Production IV*
Web & Digital Communications
Pathway
Intro to Digital Technology
Fundamentals of Web Design
Advanced Web Design
Intro to Animation & 3D*
Architectural Drawing & Design
Pathway
Intro to Engineering Drawing & Design
Architectural Drawing and Design I
Architectural Drawing and Design II
Engineering Graphics & Design
Pathway
Intro to Engineering, Drawing & Design
Survey of Engineering Graphics
3D Modeling Analysis
Programming Pathway
Intro to Digital Technology
Beginning Programming
Intermediate Programming
AP Computer Science*
Engineering & Technology Pathway
Foundations of Engineering and Tech
Engineering Concepts
Engineering Applications
Engineering R&D*
Plant Systems Pathway
Basic Agriculture Science & Tech
General Horticulture & Plant Science
Nursery & Landscape
*These courses are optional 4th courses
that cannot be used to satisfy completion
of the Pathway.
th
th
th
th
9 Grade
10 Grade
11 Grade
12 Grade
Science
Magnet Biology
&
Magnet Chemistry
Magnet Physics
&
AP Science
&
Magnet Biochemistry
(Optional)
Choose 2:
AP Science
DNA/Genetics
Adv Physics/Robotics
Aerospace Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Organic Chemistry
Advanced Scientific
Internship
&
Advanced Scientific
Research
Math
Accelerated CCGPS
Coordinate
Algebra/Analytic
Geometry A
&/or
Accelerated CCGPS
Analytic Geometry
B/Advanced Algebra
CCGPS Pre-Calculus
AP Statistics
or
AP Calculus
Math Options:
AP Statistics
AP Calculus
Honors Multivariable
Calculus
GT Calculus
Advanced Math Topics
Social Studies
(Optional)
Honors World
Geography
or
AP Human Geography
Honors or AP
World History
Honors or AP
U.S. History
Honors or AP
Economics
and
Government
AP Lit
or
Honors World Lit
English
Honors 9 Lit
Honors British Lit
AP Language/Honors
American Lit
or
Honors American Lit
Foreign Language
Foreign Language I
or
Foreign Language II
and/or Honors Foreign
Language III
Honors or AP Foreign
Language Electives
(Optional)
Honors or AP Foreign
Language Electives
(Optional)
Honors or AP Foreign
Language Electives
(Optional)
Approved Technology
Course 1 &/or 2
Approved Technology
Course 2 &/or 3
Approved Technology
Course 3
Magnet
Foundations
Technology
& Career
th
Magnet Foundations
or
Foundations of
Engineering
Physical
Education
Electives
Health/BPE
Fine Arts, PE, Career
Technology, Social
Studies, English, Math,
Science, or Foreign
Language
Fine Arts, PE, Career
Technology, Social
Studies, English, Math,
Science, or Foreign
Language
Fine Arts, PE, Career
Technology, Social
Studies, English, Math,
Science, or Foreign
Language
Fine Arts, PE, Career
Technology, Social
Studies, English, Math,
Science, or Foreign
Language
The Senior Experience is a capstone experience for seniors who are part of the Center
for Advanced Studies. This program enables these highly qualified students the
opportunity to study, research, and work with professional mentors in their area of
interest and apply the knowledge and skills obtained through the Center’s rigorous
curriculum. In addition to the Internship the students complete a related research project.
At the end of the internship and research projects, the students prepare and deliver a 25
minute presentation detailing their internship experience, research data collected, and research results and
conclusions.
In the past Internship partners have included but were not limited to the following:
Animal Hospital of East Cobb
Atlanta Music Group
Borland Software
The Centers for Disease Control
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Cobb County Commission Chairman’s Office
Cobb County Water System
Coca-Cola Enterprises
CVS Pharmacy
Emory University
Foreman Seely Fountain Architects
Georgia Pacific
Georgia Tech
GTRI Aerospace and Acoustics Labs
Hewitt Associates
Higginbotham & Associates
IBM
Jordan and Skala Engineers
Kaiser Permanente
Marietta Eye Clinic
Montrose Animal Hospital
National Parks Service
North Georgia Oncology Center
Piedmont Hospital
Progressive Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy
Q100/99X Radio Station
Science Applications International Corporation
UBC Group
U.S. District Attorney’s Office
Velocity Sports Performance
Walgreen’s Pharmacy
Yerkes National Primate Research Center