IS THERE A MILITARY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL COMING TO BETHLEHEM?  MAYBE!

AMASA logoCoalitions are being formed, potential building sites are being evaluated, and a community outreach effort is under way for the establishment of an Air Force JROTC based charter high school in Bethlehem.

The Advanced Military Aerospace Science Academy (AMASA) will be applying for a charter through the Bethlehem Area School District in the fall of 2013, with the intension of opening the academy in the 2014-15 school year with 9th and 10th grade and adding a grade each year thereafter.

AMASA will be the first public charter high school of its kind that is based on using an aerospace science and leadership development program provided by the U.S. Air Force (AFJROTC). Additional curricula that will provide hands-on study in aerospace engineering, as well as other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) subjects will be provided through Project Lead The Way (PLTW  www.pltw.org ). College preparatory core subjects in English, Math, Science, Health, and History/Social Science, as well as electives such as Art and Music, will complete AMASA’s diverse course offering. AMASA’s purpose is to provide a 21st century STEM focused education in a “No Excuse” environment that instills self-discipline, personal responsibility, self reliance, and other leadership qualities necessary to overcome obstacles in life, and increase options (or paths to success) available to students post high school.

AMASA already has the support and participation of several prominent members of the Lehigh Valley community such as WW2 hero and Military Liaison for Allentown, Major Nathan Kline USAF-Ret.; former astronaut with NASA and present engineering professor at Lehigh University, Terry Hart; and former vice-president at Cedar Crest College and former CEO for the Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, Barry Cohen. A positive response to the school was also provided by Bethlehem’s Mayor John Callahan and Bethlehem’s Police Chief Jason Schiffer.

A community open house style, informational meeting is being held this Saturday, May 18th 10am at the Bethlehem Public Library, 1st floor Main meeting room. Organizers will provide a brief presentation and be available to answer any questions about the school. A light breakfast will be provided. More information about AMASA can be obtained via its website at www.amasacharter.com and you can sign the petition online at www.amasacharter.com/sign_our_petition