SOAR

What is S.O.A.R?

Calling all 10th-12th graders with a passion for discovery and critical thinking!

Students of Advanced Research (SOAR) program is your gateway to mastering essential STEM skills.

In one semester, students enroll in two rigorous and complementary courses: Advanced Placement (AP) Seminar and Scientific Research III.

In AP Seminar, students investigate real-world problems, evaluate multiple perspectives, and develop the skills needed to craft and present clear, compelling arguments. Emphasis is placed on research, critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication - skills that prepare students for college-level coursework and beyond. The Research III course provides students with the opportunity to design, conduct, and refine an independent, inquiry-driven research project. Building on prior research experiences, students apply advanced scientific practices including experimental design, data collection and analysis, and ethical research methods. Students communicate their findings through formal research papers and presentations while making connections to real-world applications and future careers in STEM fields.

Transportation is provided, so don’t miss this opportunity to expand your mind and build your future.

    * Grades: 10th-12th
    * Capacity: 15-17 Students 
    * FREE for DCSD students!
    * Pre-requisite: 9th Grade Literature
    * Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    * DCSD Transportation Provided

Applying for SOAR

Students may apply during the spring semester. Applications open February 1st and are due by March 1st.

Click here to access the 2026-2027 SOAR application.  Selection criteria are based on teacher recommendations, academic readiness, and student interest in science. 

Any 10th-12th grader with a passion for discovery and critical thinking! 

Applications Open: February 1, 2026
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Notifications: April 1, 2026 

SOAR FAQs

In one semester, SOAR students take two accelerated high school courses: Advanced Placement Seminar and Scientific Research III. 

Students who are enrolled in a magnet program at a DCSD high school may be eligible for SOAR. Check with your high school counselor.

Instruction begins at 8:00 a.m. Each day, students have a ten-minute, mid-morning break. Students are encouraged to bring a snack to eat/drink. There is no cafeteria at FSC and students are not permitted to use vending machines. Students will then be bused back to their home schools, at 11:00 a.m., for the remainder of the school day; they will eat lunch at their home school.

DCSD provides transportation to and from Fernbank Science Center (FSC) for all schools except Tapestry.


Morning transportation - Students are picked up at a bus top in their neighborhood. The bus will either bring students directly to FSC, or students will be taken to a shuttle and transported to FSC by the shuttle bus. Parents are permitted to drop students off at FSC in the morning from 7:30 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.

Afternoon transportation - At 11:00 a.m., all students will be transported back to their home schools via DCSD school bus

Each DCSD high school has a designated semester in which their students attend SOAR (see participation schedule below).

Fall Semester Schools:   
Cedar Grove High School
Clarkston High School
Columbia High School
Dunwoody High School
Lakeside High School
Lithonia High School
Stephenson High School
Stone Mountain High School
Towers High School
DeKalb Early College Academy

Spring Semester Schools:
Arabia Mountain High School
Chamblee High School
Cross Keys High School
Druid Hills High School
Martin Luther King Jr. High School
Miller Grove High School
Redan High School
Southwest DeKalb High School
Tapestry High School
Tucker High School