Board of Education Approves Boundary for New Southeast Academy 

The boundary for the Signature Career Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering at Southeast High has been set. At Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, the board approved the program’s boundary to include students from Eastern, Northeast, Southeast and Southern high schools. Students outside of that boundary will be zoned for the duplicate academy at Smith High.  

Previously, the Southeast High program had only been available to Southeast High students; others were eligible to apply for the Smith High program. Both schools have been accepting applications since the Choice application window opened on Oct. 15. The application window closes on Nov. 28.  

The Signature Career Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering is the sixth signature career academy for Guilford County Schools (GCS) and the second to focus on advanced manufacturing and engineering. Signature career academies allow students to earn industry-recognized credentials and get real-world experience that prepares them for high-paying local jobs.  

It's one of many ways that Guilford County Schools is providing the Guilford Guarantee, which promises that all GCS students can earn college credits up to an associate’s degree, an industry-recognized credential or a meaningful workplace learning experience such as an internship, apprenticeship or job shadowing.  

In September, during Celebration of Excellence, Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley announced that the district had received more than $2.5 million in grants and donations to create a dedicated space at Southeast High for the signature career academy so it can be available for more students. The academy will prepare students for careers in modern, high-tech manufacturing centers such as the Toyota battery plant in Liberty.