North Springs High School
Encyclopedia
North Springs Charter High School (formerly North Springs High School (1963–2007) and North Springs Charter School of Arts and Sciences is a public secondary school
located in Sandy Springs, Georgia
. Students may participate in the Visual & Arts component and/or the Mathematics & Science component depending on their qualifications and abilities. It is the only magnet school
in the Fulton County School System
that offers both music
and sciences. The other magnet schools in the county providing these subjects are Westlake High School (sciences) and Tri-Cities High School (arts). Students participating in the Visual & Performing Arts component study in these areas through group and class activities, exhibits, performances, and community involvement. Students in the Mathematics and Science component can take math and science classes that would not normally be available in high school, e.g. Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry. North Springs has become one of the smallest (public) high schools in Fulton
or Cobb
counties, along with Riverwood High School
, which covers the rest of Sandy Springs.
(SACS) and the Georgia Department of Education
. The majority of the 2005 graduating class (97%) attends a four or two year college, and 68% of the 2005 graduating class are HOPE scholars
. North Springs was a Georgia School of Excellence, a Grammy Signature School (1997), and a U.S. News & World Report
Outstanding High School (2000). It was also one of Newsweek
Magazine's Top 300 High Schools (2000). It gained Charter status for the 2007-2008 school year. The school has had many individual athletic achievements, and also has won a state title in soccer in 1969, two state championships in wrestling in 1976 and 77, and two state championships in track and field in 2004 and 2005. Many world-class musicians, dancers, artists, and actors have honed their talents at North Springs.
The mission of the North Springs Charter High School Science Magnet Program is to provide a higher academic level of scientific and mathematics education through problem-based learning centered in technology and research. The classes offered through this program are Biochemistry, Career Math/Science–Advanced Research Methods, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Introduction to Research Methods in Science, Science, Technology, and Society, Science Topics/Issues–Advanced Research Methods, Topics and Issues in Medical Ethics, Topics and Issues in Engineering, and Techniques in Engineering.
The Visual & Performing Arts Magnet Program is an interest-based program that enables students to receive pre-professional training that extends beyond the introductory level. The program provides exploration into such areas as music theory, history of the arts, composition, conducting, choreography, playwriting, directing, art production, and art criticism. Students are required to earn eight art magnet credits over the course of four years. The Arts Magnet is split into a Theater Magnet, Choral Magnet, Dance Magnet, Film Magnet, Music Magnet, and Visual Arts Magnet.
Under the 2006 constitution, the Student Government Association (SGA) was organized. It includes four branches of government.
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
located in Sandy Springs, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. Students may participate in the Visual & Arts component and/or the Mathematics & Science component depending on their qualifications and abilities. It is the only magnet school
Magnet school
In education in the United States, magnet schools are public schools with specialized courses or curricula. "Magnet" refers to how the schools draw students from across the normal boundaries defined by authorities as school zones that feed into certain schools.There are magnet schools at the...
in the Fulton County School System
Fulton County School System
The Fulton County School System is a school district headquartered in East Point, Georgia, United States. The system serves the area of Fulton County, Georgia outside the Atlanta city limits...
that offers both music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
and sciences. The other magnet schools in the county providing these subjects are Westlake High School (sciences) and Tri-Cities High School (arts). Students participating in the Visual & Performing Arts component study in these areas through group and class activities, exhibits, performances, and community involvement. Students in the Mathematics and Science component can take math and science classes that would not normally be available in high school, e.g. Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry. North Springs has become one of the smallest (public) high schools in Fulton
Fulton County, Georgia
Fulton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. Its county seat is Atlanta, the state capital since 1868 and the principal county of the Atlanta metropolitan area...
or Cobb
Cobb County, Georgia
Cobb County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. Its county seat and largest city is Marietta, which is located in the center of the county. The county was named for Thomas Willis Cobb, who in the early 19th century was a United States representative and senator from Georgia...
counties, along with Riverwood High School
Riverwood high school
Riverwood International Charter School is a charter school located in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Riverwood is one of Fulton County School's four Magnet sites, offering the International Studies and International Baccalaureate Programs...
, which covers the rest of Sandy Springs.
School Information
North Springs Charter High School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and SchoolsSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation...
(SACS) and the Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Department of Education
The Georgia Department of Education is an American agency that governs public education in the state of Georgia. The department manages funding and testing for local educational agencies accountable for student achievement. The Department is managed by the State Superintendent of Schools, a...
. The majority of the 2005 graduating class (97%) attends a four or two year college, and 68% of the 2005 graduating class are HOPE scholars
HOPE Scholarship
The HOPE Scholarship Program created in 1993 under the supervision of Georgia Governor Zell Miller, is a merit-based higher education scholarship that is funded entirely by revenue from the Georgia Lottery and is administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission...
. North Springs was a Georgia School of Excellence, a Grammy Signature School (1997), and a U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is an American news magazine published from Washington, D.C. Along with Time and Newsweek it was for many years a leading news weekly, focusing more than its counterparts on political, economic, health and education stories...
Outstanding High School (2000). It was also one of Newsweek
Newsweek
Newsweek is an American weekly news magazine published in New York City. It is distributed throughout the United States and internationally. It is the second-largest news weekly magazine in the U.S., having trailed Time in circulation and advertising revenue for most of its existence...
Magazine's Top 300 High Schools (2000). It gained Charter status for the 2007-2008 school year. The school has had many individual athletic achievements, and also has won a state title in soccer in 1969, two state championships in wrestling in 1976 and 77, and two state championships in track and field in 2004 and 2005. Many world-class musicians, dancers, artists, and actors have honed their talents at North Springs.
| Verbal | Math | Total | ||
| 2005 | Composite | 542 | 543 | 1085 |
| 2004 | Composite | 550 | 558 | 1108 |
| 2003 | Composite | 532 | 546 | 1078 |
| 2005 | M/S Magnet | 612 | 561 | 1173 |
| 2005 | Arts Magnet | 554 | 535 | 1089 |
| 2005 | Dual Magnet | 631 | 630 | 1261 |
| 2005 | County Mean | 520 | 536 | 1056 |
| 2005 | Georgia Mean | 497 | 496 | 993 |
| 2005 | National Mean | 508 | 520 | 1028 |
| NSHS | System | State | ||
| 2005 | Composite | 22 | 21 | 20 |
| 2004 | Composite | 23 | 20 | 21 |
| 2003 | Composite | 21 | 21 | 20 |
Magnet programs
North Springs has a dual magnet program.The mission of the North Springs Charter High School Science Magnet Program is to provide a higher academic level of scientific and mathematics education through problem-based learning centered in technology and research. The classes offered through this program are Biochemistry, Career Math/Science–Advanced Research Methods, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Introduction to Research Methods in Science, Science, Technology, and Society, Science Topics/Issues–Advanced Research Methods, Topics and Issues in Medical Ethics, Topics and Issues in Engineering, and Techniques in Engineering.
The Visual & Performing Arts Magnet Program is an interest-based program that enables students to receive pre-professional training that extends beyond the introductory level. The program provides exploration into such areas as music theory, history of the arts, composition, conducting, choreography, playwriting, directing, art production, and art criticism. Students are required to earn eight art magnet credits over the course of four years. The Arts Magnet is split into a Theater Magnet, Choral Magnet, Dance Magnet, Film Magnet, Music Magnet, and Visual Arts Magnet.
Notable alumni
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- RnBRNBRNB is a three-letter abbreviation with multiple meanings, as described below:* Nankai Broadcasting – , a broadcasting station in Ehime Prefecture, Japan* Rhythm and blues* Contemporary R&B* Russian National Library...
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) - Aisling Sistrunk - actress on the 90's Nickelodeon sitcom My Brother and MeMy Brother and MeMy Brother and Me is a sitcom on Nickelodeon that premiered on October 15, 1994, and ran until February 2, 1995. The show is about a family living in the West Side of Charlotte, North Carolina, who experience the highs and lows of everyday life. Jennifer and Roger Parker have two sons, Alfie and...
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- Actor - Raven-SymonéRaven-SymonéRaven-Symoné Christina Pearman , known professionally as Raven-Symoné , or simply Raven, is an American actress, singer, songwriter, comedian, dancer, television producer and model. Symoné launched her successful career in 1989 after appearing in The Cosby Show as Olivia...
- Actress best known for her role on The Cosby ShowThe Cosby ShowThe Cosby Show is an American television situation comedy starring Bill Cosby, which aired for eight seasons on NBC from September 20, 1984 until April 30, 1992...
and for her Disney ChannelDisney ChannelDisney Channel is an American basic cable and satellite television network, owned by the Disney-ABC Television Group division of The Walt Disney Company. It is under the direction of Disney-ABC Television Group President Anne Sweeney. The channel's headquarters is located on West Alameda Ave. in...
hit show "That's So RavenThat's So RavenThat's So Raven is an American cable television teen sitcom/fantasy series. The show premiered on the Disney Channel on January 17, 2003, and ended on November 10, 2007. The show spawned Disney Channel's first spin-off series: Cory in the House...
" - Faith SalieFaith SalieFaith Coley Salie is an American actress, comedian, radio host and television personality. She first became known for her role as Sarina Douglas on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and went on to host the Public Radio International program Fair Game with Faith Salie.-Family:Born in Boston,...
- Actor and host of PRI's Fair Game with Faith Salie on NPRNPRNPR, formerly National Public Radio, is a privately and publicly funded non-profit membership media organization that serves as a national syndicator to a network of 900 public radio stations in the United States. NPR was created in 1970, following congressional passage of the Public Broadcasting... - John SchneiderJohn Schneider (television actor)John Richard Schneider III is an American actor and singer. He is best known for his portrayal of Bo Duke in the 1980s American television series The Dukes of Hazzard, and as Jonathan Kent on Smallville, a 2001 television adaptation of Superman.Alongside his acting career, Schneider performed as a...
- Actor ("Bo Duke" from the hit show "The Dukes of Hazard" and Jonathan Kent from Smallville) - Brook SteppeBrook SteppeMichael Holbrook Steppe is a retired American basketball player in the NBA. He was a 6'5" shooting guard...
- former NBA player and basketball player at Georgia Tech - Jordan HillJordan Hill (basketball)Jordan Craig Hill is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. He was drafted 8th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks...
- Power Forward from the University of ArizonaUniversity of ArizonaThe University of Arizona is a land-grant and space-grant public institution of higher education and research located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The University of Arizona was the first university in the state of Arizona, founded in 1885...
. Overall 8th Pick in 2009 NBA Draft by the New York KnicksNew York KnicksThe New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
and currently with Houston RocketsHouston RocketsThe Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
. - Matt RobinsonMatt RobinsonMatthew Thomas "Matt" Robinson, Jr. was an American actor. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on New Year's Day in 1937, he was the first actor to portray the character of Gordon Robinson on the long-running PBS children's TV program Sesame Street...
(NFL Quarterback)-Played six seasons with The New York Jets, Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and Buffalo BillsBuffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
North Springs Cluster
North Springs Charter School draws students from a cluster of middle and elementary schools, which work together to complete k-12 education. The cluster includes the following schools:- Sandy Springs Middle School
- Ison Springs Elementary School*
- Dunwoody Springs Charter Elementary School
- Spalding Drive Charter Elementary School
- Woodland Charter Elementary School
Academic Organizations
- Diplomacy Club
- Junior State of America
- Math Team
- Mock TrialMock trialA Mock Trial is an act or imitation trial. It is similar to a moot court, but mock trials simulate lower-court trials, while moot court simulates appellate court hearings. Attorneys preparing for a real trial might use a mock trial consisting of volunteers as role players to test theories or...
Team - Science BowlScience BowlScience Bowl is a high school and middle school academic competition, similar to Quiz Bowl, held in the United States. Two teams of four students each compete to answer various science-related questions. In order to determine which student has the right to answer the question, a buzzer system is...
Team - Academic Bowl Team
Athletic & Recreational
- Golf Club
- JROTC Drill Team
- JROTC Raider Team
- JROTC Color Guard
- JROTC RIfle Team
- JROTC Academic Bowl
- Safari Club
- The High Country Adventure Club
- The Rowing Club
- UltimateUltimate (sport)Ultimate is a sport played with a 175 gram flying disc. The object of the game is to score points by passing the disc to a player in the opposing end zone, similar to an end zone in American football or rugby...
- Career/Success Organizations
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- Future Teacher's Club
- VICA
- VOCA
Computers & Electronics
- AnimeAnimeis the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
Club - Computer Security Club
- E3 - Video Gaming Club
- Technology Student Association (TSA)
Hobbies & Interests
- Asian Club
- Bad Movie Club
- Brazilian Club
- Cereal Club
- Chess Club
- Cooking Club
- Knorth Springs Knitting Club
- Lost (TV series) Club
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- New Frontiers
- RTS and RPG
- Secular Alliance of North Springs
- Trash to Treasures
- Younglife
Music Ensembles
- Philharmonic Orchestra
- Wind Ensemble
- Concert Band
- Spartan Jazz Ensemble
- Spartan Marching Band
- Tri-M Music Honor Society
- Tropical Springs Steel Drum Ensemble
Performing Arts
- Film Club
- International Thespian SocietyInternational Thespian SocietyThe International Thespian Society is an honorary organization for high-school and middle-school theatre students located at more than 3,600 affiliated secondary schools across the United States, Canada, and abroad. The International Thespian Society was founded in Fairmont, West Virginia...
- JROTC Color Guard
- NSHS Tech Crew
- Show Choir
- Urban Arts Club
Science/Environmental Organizations
- Environmental Club
- Science National Honor Society
- Science Team
Service/Volunteer Organizations
- 21st Century Leaders
- National Beta ClubNational Beta ClubThe National Beta Club is an organization for 5th-12th graders in the United States, recognizing academic achievement, leadership, character and service....
- Habitat for Humanity
- Heifer Club
- Interact
- Make-A-Wish Club
- National Honor SocietyNational Honor SocietyThe National Honor Society is a recognition program for high school students in grades 10-12 in the United States and in several other countries...
- Ronald McDonald House Club
- Safety Ambassadors
- Speak GSA (Gay-Straight AllianceGay-straight allianceGay–straight alliances are student organizations, found primarily in North American high schools and universities, that are intended to provide a safe and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and their straight allies .-Goal:The goal of most, if not all,...
) - Think Pink
SGA (Student Government Association)
(More information about SGA can be found below)- Student Council
- Freshman Class Council
- Sophomore Class Council
- Junior Class Council
- Senior Class Council
- Executive Council
- Student Court
Student Publications
- The Oracle (Newspaper); It has won numerous awards in state and regional competitions.
- The Phalanx (Yearbook)
- Echo (Literary magazine)
Drama Department
The NSCS Drama Department has accomplished many prestigious things in its 10 years of existence. In 2006 they took Urinetown: The Musical to the American High School Theater Festival as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 2008 they returned to AHSTF at their invitation to perform Bat Boy: The Musical.Student government
At the end of the 2005-2006 school year, members of the North Springs Student Council, a facet of the Student Government, set forth to rewrite the constitution of the student government to better serve the students. The changes were implemented for the elections for the following school year, and the new student government began operating on the new constitution in mid-2006. The new constitution called for a reorganization of the existing student government. Concepts were borrowed from student governments across the nation to create a state-of-the-art student governing body. One of the main focuses outlined in the constitution was the concept of student advocacy. New branches of the student government were created and old branches were reorganized.Under the 2006 constitution, the Student Government Association (SGA) was organized. It includes four branches of government.
- The Student Council, creating a body of students made up of a representative from each advisement (homeroom) and club presidents.
- A Student Court to review appeals on honor code violations, parking permits, and other minor disciplinary infractions. Students wishing to have rulings reviewed submit a case form for review by five student judges and two faculty judges to make recommendations on. Though the rulings hold no power, the administration gets a report on and the recommendation about the case. Recent cases have led to the court giving recommendations concerning controversial school policies (such as absences on days that students are taking AP exams and permitting personal laptops), to which the administration has heeded in some cases.
- Four class councils were kept intact by the constitution and duties for each were outlined in the new constitution. The fourth branch of government was patterned after the original student council concept.
- The Executive Council is the main governing body of the SGA with officers that oversee the other facets of the government. Officers include the president, vice president, treasurer (who keeps a book known as "the big book" that contains helpful information and tips for years to come), secretary, an Officer of Student Court Affairs (OSCA) (who is a liaison between the Executive Council and Student Court), and a Spartan Officer of Spirit (SOS) (who is in charge of all spirit activities). The council also includes a maximum of five representatives from each grade. The Executive Council oversees a lot of activities and is in charge of student advocacy. They act as a liaison between faculty, administration, and students. The Executive Council sponsors monthly "Town Hall" meetings where the student population is invited to share ideas and concerns. Also under the new constitution, new disciplinary measures were created to ensure the council runs smoothly.
Support Organizations
- Local School Advisory Council (LSAC): provides advice, recommendations, and assistance to the principal. Georgia law details the composition of the council, its responsibilities, and procedures for conducting business.
- Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA): collaborates on projects that benefit students at North Springs and that bring valuable resources to the classroom.
- Friends of North Springs High School (FONSHS) Foundation: is dedicated to supporting the programs at North Springs