The Fulton County Board of Education has approved the name Global Impact Academy for the new South Fulton STEM school.
The name was put forth by a steering committee comprised of educators, elected officials and school governance council members. It was first presented to the board for consideration at the Jan. 14 work session, and then approved at the Feb. 20 meeting. The name reflects the school district’s desire to provide a rigorous environment where students attain the knowledge and skills to positively impact the world.
Anthony Newbold will serve as the school’s principal. He was among first to make the announcement of the school’s new name via social media.
“With tonight’s vote, Global Impact Academy is here,” he tweeted. “I’m so excited to be working on this venture.”
Global Impact Academy will open in August 2021 in Fairburn. Ga., next to Campbell Elementary School. Students will have the opportunity to study high-tech, high-demand courses that are college- and career-focused. Hallmarks of the school include an integrated curriculum with a focus on STEM education and an emphasis on design thinking. The school will offer a meticulous academic pathway around healthcare, information technology and engineering.
The curriculum will be enhanced with the help of corporate, community, and higher education partners through projects, presentations, and internships. Georgia Tech’s Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics and Computing (CEISMC) has already been named as a partner. Students will also be supported through robust advisory programs that ensure every student has a guidance counselor, faculty advisor and corporate mentor.
A similar school, Innovation Academy, will also open in August 2021 in Alpharetta.. All Fulton County students are eligible to attend the two schools. Global Impact Academy will serve students in grades 6-12. Innovation Academy is open to high schoolers only.
Information meetings for potential students and their families will begin in April of this year according to a timeline published by Fulton County Schools. The application window will open in October.