Benjamin Elijah Mays High School
| Mays High School | |
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| Location | |
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| Information | |
| Type | Public secondary |
| Motto | "A legacy to keep, an image to uphold..." |
| Established | 1981 |
| School district | Atlanta Public Schools |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Number of students | 1800 students |
| Campus | Urban |
| Color(s) | Columbia Blue and Yellow Gold |
| Mascot | Raider |
| Newspaper | The Summit |
| Website | [1] |
History
Never before in the history of Atlanta Public Schools had any school been named in honor of a living African American male until in September 1981, when the Atlanta Board of Education, at the urging of the late Henrietta Canty, State Representative and PTSA President, and the late Superintendent Dr. Alonzo A. Crim, the newly constructed building at 3450 Benjamin E. Mays Drive SW, was named in honor of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, a humanitarian, educator, and international pioneering in ‘Negro Education.’ Groundbreaking for the school’s construction took place on Monday, November 14, 1977 at 1:00 p.m. The building was completed in August 1981 and was officially opened in a Sunday ceremony on September 27, 198l. Initially, there was much debate about the new school’s name. Some community leaders wanted the school’s name to remain Southwest High School since it was supposedly built to replace the old Southwest High School, now Jean Childs Young Middle School. After the dust settled, rising from the sunset, atop a picturesque mountain, Benjamin Elijah Mays High School was borne. Dr. Mays could see the school from his home’s office. Much to Dr. Mays’ delight, a permanent structure was now in place that would forever honor his tireless work.
Mission and Vision
Mission Statement
The mission of Benjamin Elijah Mays High School is to maintain the highest level of academic excellence as a community in order to prepare every student to become life-long learners as well as productive citizens.
Vision Statement
The vision of Benjamin E. Mays High School is to establish a 21st Century learning environment where students feel secure, nurtured, academically and physically challenged by a rich, rigorous curriculum that exposes students to current technology and trends. This environment will enable and prepare students to become healthy, caring, sharing, and productive members of society.
Academics
Benjamin E. Mays High School students and faculty are divided into six small learning communities/academies (SLCs). While the principal oversees the school as a whole and focuses on building-wide issues, an assistant principal administers each academy. The students’ enjoy enormous academic successes from being a part of small learning communities/academy. Since students ideally remain within the same SLC for their entire academic career, this organizational structure allows teachers, counselors, administrators, parents and students to foster close relationships and ensure greater opportunities for success. The SLCs are:
Science and Mathematics
The Academy of Science and Mathematics was established in 1981 with the opening of the school. It promotes the pursuit of scientific ideas by providing a challenging, comprehensive curriculum of traditional and contemporary Science and Mathematics that allow students to contribute to the educational, cultural, economic and social advancements of our society.
Business Entrepreneurship Academy
The Academy of Business Entrepreneurship provides opportunities for students to develop interests, skills and knowledge in select aspects of business and office occupations, i.e., computer applications, banking and finance and professional food services. The business and entrepreneurship program also provides a cooperative work-training program for seniors that are preparing for full time employment.
Mass Communications Academy
The Academy of Mass Communications provides students with knowledge, skills and hands on experiences needed to communicate. The mass communication program integrates recent trends in the area of broadcast video, graphic arts and multimedia/web page design by developing skills in basic theory and practice. Students engage in career preparation, practical experiences, problem-solving activities and projects. Internships are available for advanced students.
Public Administration and Applied Sciences Academy
The Academy of Public Administration will increase students understanding of law and government, and the military in the 21st Century. The public administration program provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and to acquire the training needed to complete successfully in a global society. Students in the Academy of Public Administration will graduate with a rich foundation of public policy.
The Academy of Applied Sciences grants students an opportunity to apply knowledge from one or more scientific fields to practical problems. Students will attain knowledge in healthcare science and design technology. The healthcare program utilizes an industry-based curriculum that enhances academic foundations and hands on experiences. The design technology program allows students to create projects that are both architectural and engineering in nature.
Eagle Academy
In an effort to improve the academic success of male students at Benjamin E. Mays High School, the Eagle Academy for Young Men will opened in August 2007. Members of the Eagle Academy are expected to uphold the core values of the academy, which are: Academic Excellence, Leadership Development, Character Development, Mentoring, Community Service and Professional Dress. Students who are part of the Eagle Academy will develop leadership traits that will enable them to lead successful and productive lives after high school. Eagle Scholars will be equipped with the necessary skills to successfully enter colleges and universities around the world.
Athletics
The Mays High School Raiders athletic teams compete in Region 5AAAA of the Georgia High School Association.
Mays High offers a wide variety of athletic programs including Varsity Boys Track, Varsity Boys Soccer, Varsity Football, Varsity Boys Basketball,Junior Varsity Boys Basketball, Varsity Girls Basketball,Junior Varsity Girls Basketball,Varsity Basketball Cheerleading, Junior Varsity Basketball, Cheerleading, Varsity Boys Swimming, Varsity Girls Volleyball, Varsity Girls Swimming, as well as many others. All home Varsity Football games, as well as track events are held at Lakewood Stadium.