MAHS is a comprehensive school known for academic and innovative accomplishments as well as educators who work to grow every child, every day. In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, Mount Airy High School returned to school five days a week on August 17, 2020 and was the only high school to do so.
The goal of leading this return to school was to do what was best for students while keeping staff, students, and families healthy. This goal was surpassed when students exceeded growth expectations, remained on-campus learning, and were able to resume athletics while also enjoying all arts offerings. During this trying time, enrollment increased 5% allowing even more students to experience success as a Granite Bear.
Principal Jason Dorsett commented, “I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of Mount Airy High School. Our staff believed that our students needed to attend school on a daily basis. They also believed that we needed to provide opportunities including athletics, the arts, and more. The team worked together and poured their hearts into each day to make this possible. This was a difficult achievement that our students and society will benefit from for many years to come. I couldn’t be prouder of the MAHS team.”
The school implements a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) framework and multiple work-force development courses to help students become problem-solvers. Students enjoy a variety of arts offerings such as visual arts, band, and chorus, and a partnership that brings a teacher from China to teach Chinese Language and Culture. The school also boasts a NASCAR partnership with Richard Childress Racing where students travel to RCR and are exposed to careers such as engineering, marketing, and development.
There are over 23 athletic teams available and over 10 academic clubs and teams that meet weekly. The school put the district first in the state in Math 3, 8th in the state for English 2, 4th in the state for overall proficiencies in high school EOCs. 90% of the school's graduates go on to a two or four-year degree and the Career and Technical attainment of their students was 86.5%. Students earned 164 work-based credentials last year. Mount Airy High School develops well-rounded students who graduate to lead, innovate, and serve.
Superintendent Dr. Kim Morrison noted, “We are proud of MAHS for leading the state in achievement by achieving double digits above the state average in all EOCs and CTE assessments. MAHS placed students first with all teachers being green or blue in EVAAS and all student groups showing growth. This is amazing due to all the challenges of the last year. Learning never stopped at MAHS thanks to our amazing staff and students. We are proud to award the PTEC Signature School to MAHS.”