Cincinnati

Hughes STEM High School

With rapid expansion along the Ohio River in the early nineteenth century, Cincinnati is considered to be America’s first major boomtown. Cincinnatians proudly referred to their city as the “Queen City” – a nickname that was solidified by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in an 1858 poem titled “Catawba Wine”. The nickname still stands today, along with Cincinnati’s strong spirit of pride and collaboration – now exemplified in the region’s effort to launch a state-of-the-art STEM public high school.

Cincinnati, often compared to Rome because of its seven surrounding hills, plans to locate its STEM school atop of one of those hills – Clifton – directly across the street from the University of Cincinnati. With an array of partners, including University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Public Schools, and lead partner Strive, the high school is designed to incorporate innovative curriculum for hands-on learning and provide students with seamless transitions into regional STEM careers through dual high school and college enrollment opportunities.

School Snapshot

What is the vision of Hughes STEM High School?
The STEM school will offer innovative programs and will promote economic progress by providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue postsecondary opportunities and more specialized STEM careers.

Who can attend Hughes STEM High School?
Students who are in grades 9-12 and who reside in the Cincinnati Public School district are eligible to attend the school. The STEM school is considered one of Cincinnati Public Schools’ high schools of choice.

What makes Hughes STEM High School different?
The school provides innovative programs that are linked to economic growth for the region. These important connections will be made through mentoring, job shadowing, internships, early co-op and direct connections to researchers, professionals and experts in the region.

Students will participate in specialized STEM career pathways.  Each pathway will feature its own innovative STEM curriculum as well as traditional core content.  Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit and professional certifications while developing a seamless pathway to college.

What are Hughes STEM High School’s teaching and learning philosophies?
The school has developed a Teacher Team concept that includes six licensed science, career technical, mathematics, English, social studies and intervention specialist teachers. This concept allows teachers to create personalized learning experiences and facilitates problem-, inquiry- and project-based learning activities for students.

When does the recruitment start for both students and teachers?
Recruitment for grade 9 will begin in January of 2009.  The recruitment and hiring of teachers will begin in the spring.

When will the school open its doors?
Students in grade 9 will begin in Fall 2009. One grade level will be added each year thereafter until fall 2012, when all grades 9-12 are a part of the school.