Who We Are
The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science is our state’s only fully public and residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. Tuition, room, and board are FREE.
Nestled in Mobile’s beautiful Old Dauphin Way Historic District, ASMS was founded by the Alabama State Legislature in 1989 to better prepare Alabama’s future leaders. ASMS also enjoys partnerships with businesses and industries. The state of Alabama provides the operating budget, while the facility is owned and maintained by the ASMS Foundation, a charitable group that receives donations from businesses, individuals, and other foundations.
Our Mission
The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science’s mission is to provide academically motivated Alabama students with exceptional preparation in the fields of math and science, empowering them to improve their community, state, and nation.
Our History
Alabama N E E DS
NEW
LEADERS and
New
thinking
In the late 1980s, a group of concerned citizens banded
The first students arrived in 1991, while much of the campus
together in Mobile to develop an advanced high school that
was under construction. Since that time, the ASMS
could attract students from across the entire state. Many in
Foundation has overseen the renovation of every building on
this group belonged to Mobile United, a service organization
campus as well as the construction of a boys’ dormitory and
focused on solving community challenges.
the Ann Smith Bedsole Library.
One of the most notable members of the founding group was Ann Smith Bedsole, the first Republican woman to be elected to the Alabama House of Representatives and a member of the ASMS School Board and Foundation Board of Directors. Other notable supports have included Former Alabama Insurance Commissioner Walter A. Bell, Former Alabama Senator and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and Representative Steve McMillian. Former Congressman Jo Bonner currently serves as the ASMS School Board President. Bell and McMillian have also served on both the
ASMS benefits from a unique partnership between the state of Alabama and the business and industry communities. A roughly $6 million operating budget for the school is supplied by the state. The campus, however, is owned and maintained by the ASMS Foundation, which also raises money for the operating budget and other projects. Since the school was established, the foundation has raised nearly $20 million, much of which has been spent on capital-improvement projects.
ASMS School Board and Foundation Board of Directors. The ASMS School Board governs the school. The Alabama In 1989, the state legislature approved a bill to create ASMS
governor appoints nine of the board’s 21 members. Of those
and gave the school’s founders $300,000 in start-up funds to
nine appointees, seven are appointed to represent
hire faculty and staff and to purchase books and office
congressional districts, and two are appointed to represent
equipment. Shortly after that, the ASMS Foundation,
the Mobile-Baldwin County area. Although ASMS receives
a non-profit organization located in Mobile that receives
state funding, the school does not fall under the jurisdiction
donations from businesses, industries, individuals, and other
of the state school board. The ASMS School Board employs
foundations, was created to raise additional funds to purchase a school campus and to furnish labs and dorm rooms. The 15-acre ASMS campus sits on the former site of Mobile’s Dauphin Way Baptist Church, although it has been heavily modified and refurbished.
a president to administer the school.
Why Math and Science? In today’s global economy, science and technology are becoming increasingly important. To succeed in this highly technological and information-based society, students need to develop their capabilities in math, science, and computing to a level higher than what was acceptable in the past. An education from ASMS will lead students into promising careers in computing, medicine, and other high-paying science-based careers. ASMS prepares students for promising futures.
Do I have to be a “genius� to be accepted to ASMS? No! The ASMS community consists of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success.
Academics
The small class sizes at ASMS encourage in-depth learning,
ASMS Class of 2017 ACT Comparison 34
32 31.34
31.34
30 29.76
thoughtful discussions, and close interactions with our distinguished faculty. The academic year is divided into three terms, each lasting 11 weeks. Students enroll in a minimum of five academic courses per term. Although
27.56
26
24
22 21.4
20
classes convene every day of the week, individual courses only meet four days per week for 55 minutes each day,
29.56
28
21
20.7
20.3
19.7
18
18.9
18.4
English
Math
Reading
National
State
21
19.4
Sci.
19.2
Reasoning
Composite
ASMS
allowing for labs to run longer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Here is a sampling of advanced courses offered at ASMS: All science classes meet an additional two hours per week
Human Genetics, Organic Chemistry, Introductory Real
for labs. Students earn 0.5 credit for each course completed.
Analysis, Graphic Design and Digital Photography,
In Advanced Placement (AP) courses, students enroll for all
Multivariable Calculus, The Dystopian Novel, Mechanical
three terms. Students must successfully complete 27.5
Engineering, Biological Change, Creative Writing, American
Carnegie units to satisfy graduation requirements.
Pop Culture, Number Theory, Zoology, Comic Book Heroes and History, Ecology, Inorganic Chemistry, Aerodynamics,
Students are also given the opportunity to earn college
Advanced German, Advanced Spanish, Advanced French,
credit accepted by many institutions, including the University
Java, C++, Biochemistry, World War I & II, American
of South Alabama and the University of Alabama at
Minority Relations, Microbiology, Intro to Nuclear
Birmingham. ASMS students typically raise their ACT scores
Engineering, and Marine Biology.
by 5-7 points – or more – before they graduate. They tend Do students have access to tutoring? Yes, incoming students are required to attend first-term study hall. Students have access to “labs” (math lab, writing lab, etc.) where students who excel in those subjects serve as tutors. Teachers are also always willing to give students one-on-one help during their daily office hours.
to score well on the ACT because it measures what students
AP courses offered: American History, Biology, Chemistry,
have learned during high school. A high ACT score
Computer Science A, English Literature &
dramatically increases a student’s chance of attracting
Composition, English Language & Composition,
college scholarship offerings.
Environmental Science, Physics B, Physics C (Electricity & Magnetism and Mechanics), and Studio Art (2-D Design, 3-D Design, and Drawing).
Faculty
The ASMS faculty is an accomplished group of educators,
Directed Research courses involve intensive investigation of
who put student learning first. More than 40% of ASMS
a topic or subject, taken under the direction of a faculty
instructors hold terminal degrees, all have earned at least a
member who mentors a student’s research. This work
master’s degree, and most have taught at the college level.
customarily involves a variable number of contact hours and will often result in a major paper or article, detailing the
But beyond these credentials, what distinguishes our faculty
results of the investigation that has been undertaken. A
is the fact that they care about each and every student’s
student can receive transcript credit for these Directed
wellbeing and academic engagement. It is not unusual for
Research courses.
instructors to stay after class to mentor and tutor students who may need a little help or clarity. In fact, our faculty will
Here are a few Directed Reading and Research courses
even design and offer classes based on student interest.
offered in recent history: Biological Science Research,
Directed Reading courses are typically intended for students
Crystallography, Pyrotechnics, Firewire (student newspaper),
who seek a deeper knowledge of the subject.
Problem Solving, Boolean Algebra, Topology, and Mathematical Origami.
How does ASMS compare to a traditional high school honors program? ASMS promotes self-motivation.The school and faculty provide numerous resources; however the choice to learn and grow is the student’s.
Campus Life
ASMS offers a comprehensive residential life program, which
the Mobile area. Whether tutoring elementary students,
includes student government, athletics, clubs, and student
helping with food drives, building Habitat for Humanity
publications.
homes, rescuing animals, giving blood, or feeding the homeless, ASMS students understand the importance of
Since all students live on campus, numerous opportunities
giving back to their community.
exist for tutorials, guest lectures, field trips, and visits to local cultural events, as well as to educational and scientific
The culture of volunteerism, so deeply ingrained at ASMS, is
institutions. While it is expected that ASMS students work
rooted in a concerted effort by the school to teach students
hard, we expect them to play hard too. ASMS also offers a
that helping others is an important character trait in
large fitness facility filled with new equipment for students to
successful leaders. In fact, many students volunteer on a
maintain a healthy lifestyle. Extracurricular activities include:
weekly or monthly basis.
Goofy Olympics, Spirit Week, Geekfest, movies, laser tag, Stress Fest, on-campus swimming, intramural sports, restaurant trips, Winter Formal, shopping mall runs, Ultimate Frisbee, Prom, Senior Bowl, weight lifting, dorm competitions, and much more.
What are the curfews? During school nights, residents must be in their dorm by 9:00 PM and in bed by midnight. On weekends, students must be in their dorm room by midnight and in bed by 1:00 AM.
Many of these activities are sponsored and organized by the Student Government Association, thus, students play a chief role in planning their own fun.
ASMS students are also committed to community involvement. Each year ASMS students collectively spend more than 4,500 hours volunteering their time throughout
Can I leave campus whenever I want? No. Students have specific times they are allowed to check out. They must check out through the Student Affairs office.
Are ASMS students nerds? Although the term “nerd� is not an insult at ASMS, the campus is diverse and is representative of the state. Students have varying interests and personalities, but come together because they place academics first.
Dorm Life
One of the greatest benefits ASMS offers is the opportunity
GIRLS’ DORM
to live among students who share a passion for learning. All
The girls’ dorm is a four-story building with eight halls and
students live in spacious dormitories under the supervision
eight spacious, newly renovated community bathrooms.
of a professional staff trained to work with students to build
Each floor has a common area that features comfy furniture,
self-esteem, reduce stress, increase self-awareness, develop
flat-panel TVs, kitchenettes, and other comfortable
communication skills, manage time, and clarify goals and
amenities. All rooms accommodate two students and feature
values. In the long run, our students learn life skills that make
two beds, two armoires, two nightstands, and two desks.
the transition to college seamless.
Students enjoy the privilege of decorating their own dorm rooms. Refrigerators are permitted. Furthermore, there is an
Although adult Hall Advisors and Residential Assistants live
honors dorm for girls on the fourth floor of the Humanities
in the dorms and mentor our students, we also have a
Building that houses up to 16 girls who apply to live there
Resident Life Support Team of students who are trained
after their first year on campus. It’s a little quieter than the
listeners and mediators. They assist students in adjusting to
regular dorm.
life at ASMS and in dealing with roommate conflict. RLSTs help hall staff monitor bathroom duty and plan activities for
BOYS’ DORM
their hall. They also help promote hall spirit and a sense of
The boys’ dorm is a two-story building with four hallways.
harmony and community throughout the dorms.
Each room accommodates two students and features two beds, two armoires, two nightstands, and two desks. There
Each of the four halls in the Boys’ Dorm and the Girls’ Dorm
are also two large common lounges with kitchens on each
are named after famous scientists: Curie, DaVinci, Einstein,
floor. This area is accessible during certain hours of each day.
and Newton. These halls also comprise teams in hall
There are also large, newly renovated community bathrooms
competitions that happen throughout the school year. At
on each floor.
the end of the year, the hall that has accumulated the most points wins the hall competition.
Are students allowed to decorate their dorm rooms? Yes! Students are allowed to decorate their dorm rooms as long as their decor does not damage the walls.
“From the late-night study sessions to the bowls of ramen shared, living with your classmates and friends makes you feel like you’re a part of the ASMS family and provides unforgettable memories once you graduate.” – Madeleine Dotson
How are roommates assigned? Students may choose roommates or students can choose to be placed with a match based on surveys they fill out.
Student Clubs & Societies Diversity ASMS has many clubs that are approved, funded, and
At ASMS, diversity is not just a lofty idea. Our campus
supported by the Student Government Association. These
features a wide range of cultural, racial, socioeconomic, and
clubs are open to all students and represent a wide variety
social perspectives, helping students to experience and
of interests. Some of the official clubs of ASMS include: Key
appreciate true diversity. Nearly 1/3 of our students identify
Club, Allies, Anime, Black Student Union, Environmental
themselves as members of ethnic minority groups.
America, Chess Team, Free Thinkers of ASMS, Future
Athletics
Engineers’ Club, Yearbook, German Club, History Club,
backseat to classroom studies. Nearly half of all ASMS
Humane Society Club, IGNITE, IMPACT, Joyful Noise, Lab of
students participate in a varsity sport. ASMS offers varsity
Learning, Pre-Med, Scholars Bowl, Weightlifting Club,
basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, archery, and tennis.
Women of the World, Multicultural Student Union,
Arts
Science Club, Bibles and Brownies, Cheerleading Club, Cooking Club, Directors’ Guild, Future Business Leaders of
Swing Dance Club, Yoga Club, and many more.
Student Government
At ASMS, physical health does not have to take a
Our fine arts and music programs offer opportunities for students to discover and develop artistic talents. At ASMS,
The ASMS Student Government Association consists of 21
art, music, creative writing, and theater are available for
students from all classes. There are six officers comprised of
academic credit as well as on an extracurricular basis.
juniors and seniors, and five representatives from each
Guitar is also offered as a .25 art credit.
respective class. The SGA helps support, plan, and administer student activities on and off campus, including student clubs, Prom, and community service. The SGA is also charged with administering a budget of roughly $30,000 for these various activities. SGA elections happen each spring after candidates run campaigns and give speeches at a school-wide assembly.
Do students have access to fitness facilities? Yes, students have access to a full basketball/volleyball gym, indoor running track, weight room, newly renovated fitness room, outdoor pool (when lifeguard is present), and two outdoor soccer fields.
Special Projects
Each year students take a break from their regularly
Reserach
scheduled course load to participate in Special Projects
campus research. Through mentorships with professionals in
Week. During this time, students and teachers delve into a
the community, students gain valuable hands-on experience
specific area of concentration. Although most Special
in many subject areas. Throughout the past few years,
Projects take place on campus, many occur off campus. Over
students have performed research at the University of South
the past five years, groups of students have traveled to
Alabama (USA) Mitchell Cancer Institute, USA College of
China, Costa Rica, Italy, Mexico, Florida, Germany, New
Medicine, USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital, USA
Orleans, New York, France, Peru, The Appalachian Trail,
College of Engineering, USA School of Computing, USA
Ireland, and Spain.
Department of Chemistry, USA Department of Biology, USA
ASMS students have the opportunity to take part in off
Department of Physical Therapy, Volkert, Inc., Computer Here is a sampling of recent on-campus offerings: American
Technology Solutions, and AL.com. Real-life experience is
History through American Film; Computing Camp;
critical when deciding what career field a student wants to
California, Here We Come!; Culinary Adventures; Game
pursue. It not only makes our students more competitive in
Design Workshop; Geneva, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna – 4
the college application process, but it helps students
Countries Alpine Trip; Habitat for Humanity; Introduction to
determine their interest and future majors they may want to
Meteorology; Let’s Play Cricket; Russian Culture and
pursue in college.
Language in One Week; Mission to Space; “Parasites, Pathogens, and Plagues; Oh my!”; Quantum Mechanics and Reality; Science Fiction Coloring Book; The History & Culture of Mardi Gras in Mobile; The Wall Speaks: Express Yourself through Murals; and Wall Street.
“I worked with the Mechanical Engineering Department, but more specifically with USA Launch Society. I worked with college seniors to compete in the University Student Launch Initiative sponsored by NASA. We designed a rocket that travels exactly one mile into the air.” - Kayla Bell, 2016 ASMS Alumna
Why is ASMS on a trimester system? Each term is 11 weeks, including one for exams. A trimester system allows for students to take more classes than at a regular school. It also allows for consistent breaks so that students can spend valuable time with their families at home.
Do I need to bring a computer? You are welcome to bring a computer, but it is not necessary. Students have access to several computer labs and printers.
Abroad Program
ASMS is the only high school in Alabama with active cultural study abroad programs in Münster, Germany and Seville, Spain. Both programs offer a direct immersion exchange with the prestigious Gymnasium Paulinum in Münster and the Colegio Europa in Seville.
Each fall, ASMS sends students for a term to either Germany or Spain. Our students are placed in the homes of the foreign students who, in turn, stay on the ASMS campus. ASMS participants have scored well on their College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams, often gaining immediate entry into upper-level college language courses or satisfying their college language requirement entirely.
Beyond acquiring language skills, students immerse themselves in a new and exciting culture while forging lifelong international friendships. The cost to our students consists only of the plane ticket and some spending money.
Our experienced and well-traveled faculty prepares, coordinates, and supervises this program.
"The exchange program is fantastic and was an absolutely amazing experience. It’s definitely challenging at times, but I don’t regret going at all and I’m so glad I got the opportunity.” – Shelby Stafford
Innovators CYCLE LEG
ASMS student Parker Owen built a prosthetic leg out of a $20 thrift-store bike. The invention is comparable to an $80,000 professional leg. Owen won the 2013 FIRST Robotics Future Innovator Award and was honored by Former President Barack Obama at the White House. The leg took five hours to build and nearly every part of the bicycle was used to create a foot, movable ankle and knee, ligaments, and a sling to attach the prosthetic to the leg. 3-D PRINTING Physics students created and re-designed 3D printed prosthetic arms through e-Nable network, a global network that provides free 3D printed protheses to people around the world. The goal of this project was to create artificial arms at an affordable price for individuals and companies. Prosthetic arms can reach up to $30,000. “We completed roughly seven arms,” Connie Ng said. “It’s especially beneficial for children because they grow so quickly out of their prosthetics and 3D printing is cheap, easy, and efficient." ROBOTICS The ASMS Robotics Team actively participates in major competitions each year. The goal is to apply what is learned in the classroom – programming, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and robotics – in a fun learning environment that fosters interest in science, technology, engineering, and math across our campus and our community.
Is the homework load manageable? The homework load is manageable if the student manages their time well.
Asms Parents Stay Involved The ASMS Parent Association is a strong, committed, and vital partner in the school community. Its mission is to support the educational goals of the school, facilitate communication between families and staff, and provide a warm and inviting social environment for all members of the community. There are many ways to be involved, and the ASMS PA welcomes and encourages participation. The PA leadership consists of a president and eight area representatives who act as liaisons between parents and the administration.
Geekfest
As ASMS traditions go, Geekfest is perhaps the most important to students. Three times each year, students take part in “geeky� activities from 10:00 PM until the wee hours of the morning. Geekfest provides students an opportunity to release their inner geekiness (even if some deny having any) and gives them the opportunity to indulge in all things geek related.
Geekfest’s roots can be traced back to 2004, when a handful of student leaders organized a large, entertainment-oriented event that involved the whole student body. Here are a handful of the more popular Geekfest activities: watching anime movies and TV shows; playing video, computer, card, and board games; dressing up like your favorite game, TV, or movie character; and just hanging out with friends.
Can students have cars? Incoming students are not allowed to have cars on campus. Returning juniors and seniors are allowed to, but they are only permitted to use them during special ride off times and to go home on the weekends.
Life After Asms
Doctor? Lawyer? Engineer? Teacher? Artist? What will you do after ASMS? One thing is for sure: ASMS graduates are uniquely prepared for college. Upon arrival, students are assigned an Academic and College Counselor and begin working on the college application process. The counseling staff goes to great lengths to match an individual’s interests, personality, and academic background to colleges and universities across the country. Personal assistance with scholarships and other types of financial aid is a top priority.
Also, counselors arrange for students to visit with college and university representatives throughout the year. In 2018, the 80 ASMS grads earned $10 million in merit-based scholarships. And, since 2000, eight ASMS grads have earned Gates Millennium Scholarships, which cover tuition and living expenses through graduate school.
Alumni
ASMS graduates are leaders. Our graduates regularly report tremendous success in college, graduate school, law school, and medical school, as well as life in general. Since 1991, more than 2,000 students have graduated from ASMS. Of those, nearly 40 percent have earned or are working toward an advanced degree. What is the average ACT score and GPA for incoming students? Over the last three years, the average ACT score has been around a 24.5, and the average GPA has been a 3.9. Students typically raise their ACT score by 5-7 points or more during their time at ASMS. The 2018 senior class scored a composite 29.7 on the ACT, the highest score in the school’s history.
ASMS is proud of its distinguished alumni, and the world is a better place because of who they are, how they think, and what they have and will accomplish!
College Matriculation Agnes Scott College
Howard University
Tulane University
Alabama A&M University
Johns Hopkins University
Tuskegee University
Alabama State University
Lawrence University
University of Alabama
Auburn University
Louisiana State University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bates College
Loyola University New Orleans
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Birmingham-Southern College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of California, Berkley
Boston College
Mississippi State University
University of California, Los Angeles
Boston University
Mercer University
University of Florida
Brown University
Middlebury College
University of Georgia
Bryn Mawr College
Millsaps College
University of Mississippi
California Institute of Technology
Morehouse College
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Carleton College
Mount Holyoke College
University of Oregon
Carnegie Mellon University
New York University
University of South Alabama
Colgate University
Northwestern University
University of Texas at Austin
Colorado School of Mines
Notre Dame University
University of Virginia
Columbia University
Oberlin College
United States Air Force Academy
Cooper Union
Oglethorpe University
United States Coast Guard Academy
Davidson College
Olin College
Dillard University
Princeton University
United States Military Academy at West Point
Duke University
Rhodes College
Emory University
Rice University
Florida Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology
George Washington University
Sarah Lawrence College
Georgetown University
Smith College
Georgia Institute of Technology
Spelman College
Harvard University
Springhill College
Hollins University
Stanford University
United States Naval Academy Vanderbilt University Vassar College Wesleyan College Williams College Xavier University of Louisiana Yale University
Summer Camp
Don’t waste your summer! Spend it at the Adventures in
Who can enroll? Students entering the 6th, 7th,
Math and Science (AIMS) summer camp at ASMS.
8th, 9th, and 10th grades. AIMS runs for three weeks in June as a day or overnight camp. Students get to pick three
The AIMS summer camp offers an assorted, hands-on
classes to take each one-week session. If a student attends
learning experience in a variety of subjects, including math,
camp for more than one week, they get to select a
science, language, history and more.
new set of three classes each additional week.
The camp is a wonderful opportunity for prospective students
The application for AIMS is an online process (payment,
to see what ASMS is all about. Many ASMS teachers teach
registration, class selection, form submission, etc.). Students
at the summer camp. Not only do campers get a chance to
can register for AIMS at www.asms.net starting January 1.
live in the ASMS dorms for a week, but they also get to participate in many fun afternoon campus activities
Tuition for overnight camp is $385 per week and is
with the school’s residential life staff.
all-inclusive. Tuition for day camp is $285 and includes lunch.
Campers get to learn while they have fun! Kayak Mobile Bay.
The cost to stay a weekend between weeks 1, 2, or 3 is an
Design a maze. Build a smartphone app. Solve a crime.
additional $185 per weekend (includes a trip to a water park).
Prepare for the ACT. Learn how to make jewelry. Build a robot. Launch a rocket…and much more!
How to Apply
Applying to ASMS is free and easy. Please visit our website, www.asms.net, to begin the online application. Completed applications are due in February (check our website for exact date). Any current Alabama 9th or 10th grader can apply to ASMS. Students are selected through a competitive process that considers several factors. Promising candidates will be interviewed on the ASMS campus and offered admission in April. We admit more sophomores than juniors.
The Admission Selection Committee evaluates three areas: 1. Academic Achievement: as indicated by high school and 8th-grade grades and standardized test scores. All applicants MUST have a current ACT score. The ASMS ACT Code is 4707.
2. Maturity: as evidenced in personal statements, discipline records, teacher recommendations, and a scheduled interview on the ASMS campus with members of the Admissions Committee, including ASMS faculty and staff.
3. Achievement through Activities: as demonstrated by involvement, contributions, and leadership in school, community, and/or religious organizations.
“ASMS has given me a future I would have never thought possible. I am who I am, to a great degree, because of my decision to attend.” – Ryan Shelby, Ph.D., 2002 Alumnus
Alabama School of Mathematics and Science
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NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
ASMS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.