While reporting the school is “exceeding expectations,” State Sen. Arthur Orr touched on the great potential of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) in Huntsville. Orr (R-Decatur), who serves as president of the school’s board of trustees, made his remarks Tuesday during the annual legislative update hosted by the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber.

“That school is really exceeding any expectations that we have had for it and is quite astounding,” said Orr, chairman of the education budget committee in the Alabama Senate. “If you’re not familiar with it, I would challenge you to get familiar with it because it is a real jewel. I know we’ve got UAH, Drake, A&M, and other fine institutions here.

“But talking about that particular state magnet school that we have, it’s a public school supported by your tax dollars … a real gem for Madison County in North Alabama.”

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According to Orr, the state school is also interesting students and educators outside of Alabama, with a dynamic appeal to propel the next generation of public and private sector professionals.

“I see the school as a real magnet for gifted students not only from all over the state, but also from across the country who may want to relocate here to be able to access such a world-class, cutting-edge education in the fields of cyber and engineering,” he said. “The graduates of the school will be long-term contributors to this state’s growth in these emerging areas.”

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville), who was also in attendance, praised Orr for his efforts.

“This is a school that kids, people across the country have been trying to get into,” Daniels said. “There is no one that works harder for the cyber security school than Arthur Orr. He’s been a single champion for many years for the cyber school.”

The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering has 367 students with the number expected to soon reach 400. The student-to-teacher ratio is 23 to 1.

ASCTE is accepting applications from students across the state for the 2025-2026 school year until February 7.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten