The Science and Medicine Academy is a four-year high school program that features a curriculum designed for students who may want to pursue a career in one of the vast fields of science or medicine and/or who demonstrate a particular interest in science or medicine. The Science and Medicine Academy is hosted at Deep Creek High School.

The Science and Medicine Academy opened in September 2011. with it first freshman class. The first class of Freshmen consisted of 60 students. Students accepted into the academy are exposed to new and innovative scientific and medical information on a daily basis.

Students enrolled in the academy take a rigorous program of study in the core academic areas. The Science and Medicine Academy has partnered with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) in Biomedical Sciences and prepares students for a variety of post-graduation choices. Students will have a job shadowing placement in their junior year and an internship placement in their senior year. This allows students hand-on opportunities along with creating work based learning skills. Academy students pursue an Advanced Studies Diploma and will also have the opportunity to earn industry certification(s) in conjunction with their coursework. The Science and Medicine Academy prioritizes educational opportunities that prepare and require students to explore their interest in a career, prospective college, or enlistment possibilities in the field of science or medicine. 

The goal of the academy is to enhance students’ attitudes, skills, and introduce awareness of the vast opportunities available in the fields of science and medical careers. The philosophy of the academy is to create a learning atmosphere in which students connect what is learned in the classroom to field experiences. The academy will provide a small student-centered learning atmosphere, which will lead to student success. The focus is to provide each student with rigorous academic coursework to compete in post-secondary institutions.

Admission to the program is through application only. There is an application deadline for current eighth graders. Applications received after the deadline will be placed on the official waiting list to be considered if any vacancies arise in the program.

Criteria for Admission

• Minimum of a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)

• Successful completion of Algebra 1

• Favorable recommendations from current English, science, mathematics, and social studies teachers

• Evidence of interest in science and/or medicine demonstrated through an applied science and math assessment

Placement into the Science and Medicine Academy is dependent on positive teacher recommendations, achievement data, and an applied science and math assessment.

Students accepted into the academy are transported to Deep Creek High School for all day instruction in grades nine through twelve, are eligible to participate in all extra-curricular activities at Deep Creek - including all Virginia High School League sanctioned activities and sports, and will graduate from Deep Creek High School.

October/November
Academy information nights are typically offered throughout the district in October and November of each year.

December
December 1: Academy applications are are published on the district Academies webpage.
December 15: Completed academy applications due for submission.

January/February
Application Round 2: On-site Testing

March
Acceptance notifications are sent to students.

For additional information, please call the Academy Coordinator at 757-487-7425.