St. Andrews Bay STEM Academy: A New Era of Education in Panama City

PANAMA CITY, FL - In August 2024, St. Andrews Bay STEM Academy High School opened its doors in Panama City, FL, welcoming 60 students to a unique educational experience centered on the themes of Land, Sea, and Air. Principal Jaime Vickers recently shared insights into the school’s mission, which emerged in response to the Maritime Academy board shifting its focus. This innovative institution is designed to prepare students for college and beyond, partnering with esteemed institutions like Gulf Coast State College (GCSC), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Florida State University (FSU).

The academy offers a robust curriculum emphasizing in-demand skills. Students learn programming languages such as Python and Java, equipping them for careers in technology. They can also train as architect assistants, gaining practical experience in design and construction fields. Additionally, the school collaborates with the University of Florida to provide project management certification, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready.

St. Andrews Bay STEM Academy stands out with its hands-on, interdisciplinary approach. Students can earn scuba certification, master robotics, or train in CPR and lifeguarding. The Construction Trades program teaches tangible skills, while certifications in OSHA, NCCER, Drone Piloting, and Adobe Creative Suite open doors to diverse industries. For aspiring aviators, the academy’s flight simulator offers an immersive introduction to aviation. Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment courses provide pathways to college credit, catering to ambitious learners.

The school’s flexible, student-centered model supports various learning styles, making it ideal for homeschoolers, career-focused teens, and college-bound students. A strict no-cell-phone policy fosters focus, while parent involvement is encouraged through a requirement of 20 volunteer hours per school year. Bay County families can utilize Step Up for Students scholarships, allowing tax dollars to follow their child to this innovative institution.

St. Andrews Bay STEM Academy is more than a school—it’s a launchpad for future leaders, empowering students to explore their passions and soar to new heights in a rapidly evolving world.

Learn more here: https://www.standrewsbaystem.org/faq