The Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) in Birmingham is a leader in specialized education, offering a unique blend of academic rigor and artistic creativity. ASFA is a public 7th-12th grade school in the heart of downtown, and is open to all Alabama students with boarding available to those living outside the Birmingham metro area.
The specialty-focused school offers a unique opportunity to students: a chance to obtain an advanced high school diploma with an extended school day that includes immersive and intensive study in creative writing, dance, math-science, music, theatre arts, or visual arts. Students devote time each day to honing their craft and developing their voice in their chosen discipline.
The school’s largest department, the Math-Science Department, provides students with a challenging environment that encourages exploration, innovation, and critical thinking. Through expert mentorship and hands-on research, ASFA’s Math-Science students consistently achieve outstanding results, preparing them to excel in the STEM fields.
A mission rooted in excellence and opportunity
The mission of ASFA’s Math-Science Department is to prepare students for success in life by offering a challenging and advanced STEM curriculum in an engaging environment, taught by faculty who are experts in their fields. Students discover and develop their potential through hands-on learning in labs, academic competitions, community workshops, and in-depth research projects.
Through rigorous, university-level coursework in mathematics, the physical sciences, life sciences, computer science, and engineering, ASFA’s Math-Science Department develops students’ analytical and creative problem solving skills to approximately 100 to 110 students, primarily entering in grades 7, 8, or 9. Admission is selective and based on motivation, interest, and demonstrated ability. The department is a member of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools and maintains affiliation with The College Board, further reinforcing its academic credibility.
Innovative learning: Technology, labs, and research
Students in the Math-Science Department are immersed in a technology-based, inquiry-driven learning model. Instruction includes honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as state-of-the-art content in robotics, coding, and computer science. The program emphasizes exploration, critical thinking, and creativity, allowing students to pursue in-depth topics that reflect current developments in science and engineering.
Research is a cornerstone of the Math and Science experience. Students work closely with professional mentors from universities and research institutions across Alabama and beyond. Since the program’s inception, over 325 students have participated in mentored research, gaining experience in scientific writing, data analysis, and communicating complex information. Partner institutions include the University of Alabama, UAB, UAH, Samford University, and Southern Research Institute, among others.
The annual senior research symposium
Since 2008, the ASFA Math-Science Senior Research Symposium has required seniors to create a research project. Among last year’s standout projects was Using Explainable AI in Immunohistochemistry Cell Images for Cancer Diagnosis by Harini Chakilam. Her work explored how AI can improve the transparency and reliability of cancer diagnostics. Another project, Developing Emulsion Additives to Enhance Rheological Behavior in Non-Aqueous Magnetorheological Smart Fluids by Ashu Anand, focused on improving smart materials for use in shock-absorbing systems. Both students were selected to attend the highly prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), advancing directly from the regional science fair—an honor reserved for only a select few.
Results that speak for themselves
ASFA students consistently earn recognition at the highest levels. This year, 10 ASFA students were named National Merit Finalists, and 6 students were named Presidential Scholar Candidates. Math-Science students have placed in top positions at the Central Alabama Regional Science & Engineering Fair, won awards at the Alabama Science Olympiad and Science Bowl, and advanced to elite competitions like ISEF. Graduates go on to excel at top universities—equipped with experience, confidence, and a passion for discovery.
For more information on The Alabama School of Fine Arts, visit: https://www.asfaschool.org.
