Alabama School of Mathematics and Science
1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile AL
(251) 441-3250 • www.asms.net
About: Alabama School of Mathematics and Science is the
state’s only residential high school. The operating budget is
supplied by the state, but the school is owned and maintained
by a charitable group that receives donations from individuals,
businesses, and other foundations. Even though it is a residential
school, there are no costs to attend. Tuition, room and board are
free.
Mission: Founded in a rigorous math and science curriculum
with emphasis on responsible leadership, ASMS will develop
the full potential of exceptional students from across the state of
Alabama, first serving the needs of those without local access to
challenging educational opportunities, while accommodating the
needs of the economically disadvantaged.
Class Size: The average class size is 16 students, but many
Directed Research courses have fewer than five students. The
small class sizes encourage in-depth learning, thoughtful discussion, and close interaction with a distinguished faculty; 40%
of ASMS instructors hold terminal degrees (the highest degree
available in their field of study), all have earned at least a master’s
degree, and nearly 100% have taught at the college level.
Career-Based Programs: ASMS believes that real-life
experience is critical when deciding what career a student wants
to pursue. Not only does this make students more competitive in
the college application process, but it helps students determine
their interests and future majors they wish to pursue in college.
ASMS student interns have the opportunity to gain valuable
experience at the University of South Alabama in their Mitchell
Cancer Institute, College of Medicine, Department of Biology
and more.
Athletic Program: Nearly half of all ASMS students par-
ticipate in varsity basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country or
tennis.
Music/Fine Arts: Art, music, creative writing and theater
are available for academic credit as well as extracurriculars.
Private piano and guitar lessons are also available.
Academics: Human Genetics, Organic chemistry, Astron-
omy, Multivariable Calculus, Mechanical Engineering…these
are just a sampling of the advanced courses offered at ASMS.
The faculty will even design and offer classes based on student
interest. Directed Research courses, taken under the direction
of a faculty member who mentors a student’s research, involve
intensive investigation of a topic or subject.
Numerous AP courses are also offered, and students are given
the opportunity to earn college credit accepted by many institutions, including the University of South Alabama, the University
of Alabama, and UAB.
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Winter 2016
College Prep: One of the greatest benefits ASMS offers
is the opportunity to live among students who share a passion
for learning. All students live in spacious dormitories under the
supervision of professional staff, which gives students the life
skills that make the transition to college seamless. Upon arrival
students are assigned an Academic and College Counselor to
help them begin working on the college application process.
Personal assistance with scholarships and financial aid is a top
priority, and counselors arrange for students to visit with college
and university representatives throughout the year. In 2016, 73
ASMS graduates earned $12 million in merit scholarships.
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