About
History
The WCPSS Board Resolution created Southeast Raleigh High School on February 21, 1994, to establish an exemplary high school program in the southeastern Raleigh area with a major emphasis on technology
Goals from Board Resolution, 1994
- To provide planned learning sequences that enable students to progress at a pace appropriate to their academic needs.
- To promote the study and interest in math and science.
- To integrate the curriculum through a model developed by the staff to include parallel teaching, thematic units, and cross-departmental collaboration.
- To incorporate advanced technology into all aspects of the instructional program.
- To affirm diversity in a local and global community.
- To provide educational opportunities to parents and community members.
- To provide relevant work related experiences through apprenticeships, internships, and tutor/mentor programs.
- To incorporate community service agencies and community civic and service groups.
- To promote dual enrollment with post secondary institutions.
Unique Features
Southeast Raleigh High School Center for Accelerated Studies opened on July 28, 1997 with a magnet theme of math, science and technology. The student population numbered 1100 in grades 9-11. Unique features of the school were:
- New, state-of-the-art facility built for a capacity of 1600 students
- State-of-the-art technology in every classroom: 560 student workstations and 150 teacher laptops
- Network and email accounts for all students and staff
- Additional math and science credits required for graduation
- Seniors required presenting a research project as a requirement for graduation
- Three by one schedule: three 90-minute periods and one 50-minute interest period
- Alpha and omega periods before and after the regular school day
- Modified calendar
- Academic Coach program
- Interdisciplinary instruction (Communications Technology in World History)
Changes
Since that time, the challenges have been how to remain competitive in the education marketplace and in a growing school system. Those challenges have led to some changes in the original vision. Among those are the following:
- The student population has increased to 2100 students in grades 9-12, and the building capacity has been increased with the addition of 15 mobile classrooms.
- The 50-minute interest period was replaced by a fourth 90-minute block course to enhance academic rigor.
- Alpha and Omega periods were scrapped due to a combination of minimal student interest and transportation problems.
- Academic Coach has undergone a number of different schedule changes but remains a keystone of the school, currently meeting 15 minutes daily.
- Smaller Learning Communities have been instituted to further enhance rigor and relevance.
- Our magnet theme has changed to Center For Leadership and Technology.
- Seven Career Focused Learning Communities have been instituted.
- A well-defined freshman experience is provided:
- Summer Bulldog Student Leadership Institute for rising 9th graders
- Senior mentoring program for freshman
- A leadership curriculum delivered through our ninth grade interdisciplinary course, Communications & Technology in World History.
- Faculty, staff, and students study Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People as a foundation for creating a principle-centered school.
- SRMHS has become an American Design Studio for Smaller Learning Communities.
