City of Medicine Academy New, cutting-edge facility prepares students for careers in science
Aug. 15, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Durham—When Leah Williamson attended the City of Medicine Academy several years ago, she could only dream of the school building where current students now learn. As a senior pharmacologist, Williamson is proud to see a dream become a reality for future scientists.
Durham Public Schools is pleased to announce the opening of CMA’s new facility. The 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility is a world-class high school that is preparing students for careers in the health industry.
The school will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. to dedicate the building and celebrate the collaborative efforts between Durham Public Schools, Duke University Health System, Durham Regional Hospital, Durham VA, Durham Technical Community College, North Carolina Central University, Durham County, New Schools Project and other community organizations.
“CMA is a premier school and I want to thank our community partners for making this dream become a reality for our students and staff,” said Superintendent Eric J. Becoats. “Our students now have quality equipment and the high-tech facility they need to be prepared for careers in the medical field.”
The CMA program began in Durham Public Schools nearly 15 years ago and was developed into an independent high school in 2008. In 2007, Durham County voters supported a bond that funded the new facility.
CMA, which sits adjacent to Durham Regional Hospital, is equipped to help students link healthcare education to practice. In addition to the chemistry and biology labs, the school has two nursing labs and a wellness/fitness center. The school also has a Cybrary that helps students with resources for research, coursework and career training.
“Our work at CMA is all about the students,” said Principal Elizabeth Shearer and DPS’ 2011 Principal of the Year. “This new facility and support from our community will help our students to become globally marketable and successful in healthcare.”
CMA offers a four-year health career curriculum. Students participate in clinical rotations, field experiences and internship programs where they work side-by-side with healthcare practitioners. CMA students can also attend Durham Technical Community College and take college transfer courses, begin professional certifications such as Med Tech and complete college courses online. Through this work, students will be prepared to make informed decisions about career paths, and become skilled in math and science.
CMA is moving towards a virtual environment this school year. The school is the state-wide anchor for the network of Health and Life Science High Schools that operate within the New Schools Project. For the past two years, the school also has been designated by the state as a School of Distinction.
Facts about CMA:
- Approximately 300 students enrolled
- 2010 Graduate Rate: 97%
- Total project budget: $8,785,220 (supported by 2007 bond)
- Facility features: Two nursing labs, medical science lab and wellness/fitness center
For more information on CMA visit www.cma.dpsnc.net.
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Tahira Stalberte
Chief Communications Officer
P. 919.560.9112
C. 919.358.8876
tahira.stalberte@dpsnc.net
Jeff Nash
Communications Coordinator
P. 919.560.2602
C. 919.412.7947
jeff.nash@dpsnc.net
