Advanced Studies

1st Semester (Fall 2026) Courses

AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Seminar, Astronomy (tentative),
Ecosystems Alive (Advanced Ecology), Greenhouse & Urban Food Systems (Horticulture), Forensic Science

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PHYSICS 1: ALGEGBRA-BASED

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, and conservation. This course count towards satisfying the fourth science requirement for graduation and admission to a Georgia four-year college or university.

Instructor: Ms. Chakeitha Nash
Prerequisite: Geometry
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Ronald E. McNair Middle School (2190 Wallingford Drive, Decatur, GA 30032)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PHYSICS C: MECHANICS

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation. This course count towards satisfying the fourth science requirement for graduation and admission to a Georgia four-year college or university.

Instructor: Mr. Michael Dowling
Prerequisite: Calculus (may be concurrently enrolled)
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) SEMINAR, LIFE SCIENCES

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and work alone and in a group to communicate their ideas. NOTE: While this course satisfies Georgia graduation requirement for a 4th science, it is not recognized as a 4th science by the Board of Regents or for admission to four-year universities. It is highly recommended for students looking to strengthen their research and inquiry skills for the collegiate level.

Instructor: Mr. Michael Sanderson
Prerequisite: 9th Grade Literature
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)

ASTRONOMY (tentative)*

Astronomy introduces students to the science of the Universe, from the origin and evolution of the cosmos to the formation of Earth and our solar system. Students explore planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, and other astronomical phenomena while learning how the laws of physics help explain what we observe in space. Instruction takes place in the Fernbank Science Center planetarium and observatory, where students gain authentic experience observing the sky and using scientific tools to study the Universe. This course count towards satisfying the fourth science requirement for graduation and admission to a Georgia four-year college or university.

Instructor: Mr. Mark Lancaster
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, or Physics (1 of these)
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)
*This is course is under development. Students may apply to express interest. Enrollment will be confirmed once details are finalized.

ECOSYSTEMS ALIVE! (Advanced Ecology)

Ecosystems Alive! is a one semester, field-based course. Students will take field trips to a variety of ecosystems around the Atlanta area. Students will use a variety of scientific tools to explore the ecology of animals, plants, wetlands, rivers, forests and more! If you have an interest in a career in the natural sciences, then this course is an excellent introduction into understanding how and why scientists study ecosystems. This course count towards satisfying the fourth science requirement for graduation and admission to a Georgia four-year college or university.

Instructor: Mr. Chris Showalter
Prerequisite: Biology
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:30 PM; One Saturday field trip is also required. More detailed scheduling information will be provided on the first day of class.
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)

FORENSIC SCIENCE

Forensic Science is a one semester course. Students will examine the tools and scientific techniques used to solve crimes. This class will have a primary focus on the chemical aspect of forensics and crime investigations. Techniques include DNA, blood splatter, arson and explosive analysis. Field trips include visits to the GBI and Medical Examiner’s Office. This course count towards satisfying the fourth science requirement for graduation and admission to a Georgia four-year college or university.

Instructor: Mr. Adrian Elliot
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, or Physics (1 of these)
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Tuesdays and Fridays, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)

GREENHOUSE & URBAN FOOD SYSTEMS (Horticulture)

Greenhouse & Urban Food Systems is a hands-on horticulture course that introduces students to modern greenhouse systems and sustainable urban food production. Using the Fernbank Science Center greenhouse, students explore plant biology, controlled-environment agriculture, and technology-driven growing systems while learning how urban farms support resilient food supply chains. The course emphasizes applied science, data-informed decision making, and real-world connections to sustainability, agriculture, and emerging green careers. This course count towards satisfying the fourth science requirement for graduation and admission to a Georgia four-year college or university.

Instructor: Mrs. Kyla Sankara
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, or Physics (1 of these)
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)

2nd Semester (Spring 2027) Courses

AP Cybersecurity (tentative), AP Physics 2, AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, AP Research

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CYBERSECURITY (tentative)*

AP Cybersecurity is a college-aligned course that introduces students to the fundamentals of protecting systems, data, and digital infrastructure in an increasingly connected world. Students explore common cyber threats and vulnerabilities, learn how risks are identified and managed, and examine strategies used to prevent, detect, and respond to attacks across networks, devices, physical spaces, and applications. As part of the College Board’s AP Career Kickstart™ program, the course builds both technical and professional skills and prepares students for high-demand career pathways in cybersecurity and related fields. This course count towards satisfying the fourth science requirement for graduation and admission to a Georgia four-year college or university.

Instructor: Mr. Marques Herrington
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)
*This is course is under development. Students may apply to express interest. Enrollment will be confirmed once details are finalized.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PHYSICS 2: ALGEGBRA-BASED

The course framework included in the course and exam description (CED) clearly details the course requirements necessary for student success. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students to make connections across domains through a broader way of thinking about the physical world. Topics include thermodynamics, forces, electric circuits, magnetism, optics, waves, sound, and more! This course count towards satisfying the fourth science requirement for graduation and admission to a Georgia four-year college or university.

Instructor: Ms. Chakeitha Nash
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Ronald E. McNair Middle School (2190 Wallingford Drive, Decatur, GA 30032)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PHYSICS C: ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation. This course count towards satisfying the fourth science requirement for graduation and admission to a Georgia four-year college or university.

Instructor: Mr. Michael Dowling
Prerequisites: AP Physics C: Mechanics, Calculus
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) RESEARCH, LIFE SCIENCES

As the final step in the AP Capstone™ experience, AP Research invites students to conduct a yearlong, independent investigation into a topic of their choice. Building on skills from AP Seminar, students master research methodology and ethical practices to produce a 4,000–5,000 word academic paper and a formal presentation with an oral defense. NOTE: While this course satisfies Georgia graduation requirement for a 4th science, it is not recognized as a 4th science by the Board of Regents or for admission to four-year universities. It is highly recommended for students looking to strengthen their research and inquiry skills for the collegiate level.

Instructor: Mr. Michael Sanderson
Prerequisites: AP Seminar
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Course schedule may vary. Meeting dates and times will be shared before the course begins.
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)