Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Academic Excellence in Mount Airy, NC
Mount Airy High School is dedicated to delivering a superior curriculum that empowers students to choose their future and experience success. Our mission focuses on providing a safe, supportive, and stimulating learning environment that motivates students to meet challenges in education, work, and life. With approximately 548 students in grades 9-12, we prioritize academic competitiveness and opportunities that rival those of larger institutions. Last year, our seniors earned over $1.5 million in scholarships, reflecting our commitment to student achievement. We emphasize STEAM education, career and technical training, and partnerships like NextGen to prepare students for diverse pathways.Our faculty and staff work tirelessly to maintain a culture of excellence, innovation, and community engagement. As a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School, we uphold rigorous standards while fostering confidence and persistence in every learner. Our location in Mount Airy, North Carolina, allows us to serve as a cornerstone of educational excellence in the region. Through programs like SparkNC and Surry Med Mobile, we address both academic and holistic student needs. Our consistent ranking among North Carolinas top schools for graduation rates and low dropout rates underscores our dedication to student success.
Services
STEAM Education
Career and Technical Education
Foreign Language Programs
Athletic Training
College Counseling
Health Science Programs
Visual and Performing Arts
Driver's Education
Special Education Services
Online Learning Platforms
Highlights and features
- Consistently ranked in North Carolina's top 10 for graduation rates
- Offers STEAM education and NextGen Partnership programs
- Provides over $1.5 million in scholarships annually
- Maintains small-class intimacy with large-school opportunities
- Features Surry Med Mobile for student health services
Associations and certifications
- National Blue Ribbon School
Services
STEAM Education
Our STEAM curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through hands-on projects and industry partnerships. Students access advanced labs and collaborate on real-world problem-solving initiatives. This approach prepares learners for STEM careers while fostering creativity and innovation in a supportive academic environment.
Career and Technical Education
CTE programs provide industry certifications and practical skills in fields like health science, automotive technology, and computer science. Courses align with workforce demands through partnerships with local businesses and Richard Childress Racing. Students gain hands-on experience through internships and specialized training programs.
Athletic Training
Certified athletic trainers support 28 varsity teams with injury prevention, rehabilitation, and emergency care. The program emphasizes sports safety education and works with local healthcare providers to ensure student-athlete well-being. Facilities include dedicated training spaces for strength and conditioning programs.
Foreign Language Programs
We offer Spanish and Chinese language instruction with cultural immersion components. Courses range from beginner to advanced levels, preparing students for college credit opportunities. Language learning integrates technology tools and community engagement projects to enhance practical communication skills.
College Counseling
Our counseling team provides personalized college application support, scholarship searches, and FAFSA/RDS night events. Students receive assistance with essay writing, interview preparation, and navigating financial aid options to maximize postsecondary opportunities.
People
Jason Dorsett
Principal
Jason Dorsett leads Mount Airy High School with over 15 years of educational leadership experience. He focuses on academic innovation and student achievement while maintaining the school's top-10 NC rankings. His leadership emphasizes community partnerships and staff development.
Katie McCrary
Assistant Principal
Katie McCrary oversees curriculum implementation and instructional excellence. With a background in special education, she champions inclusive learning practices and supports teacher professional development to enhance student outcomes across all academic levels.
Polly Long
Director of 1-on-1 Program
Polly Long directs dropout prevention initiatives and personalized learning programs. She coordinates mentorship opportunities and community resources to support at-risk students, maintaining the school's low dropout rate through targeted interventions.
Meredith Dowdy
Band Teacher
Meredith Dowdy leads award-winning music programs that have performed at regional and state competitions. She develops curriculum integrating traditional and modern musical techniques while fostering student leadership through ensemble performances.
Chuck Hiatt
CTE Teacher
Chuck Hiatt teaches career and technical education courses with industry certifications in automotive technology. He maintains partnerships with local businesses to ensure curriculum relevance and provides students with hands-on training for immediate workforce entry or advanced technical education.
Questions
What academic programs does Mount Airy High School offer?
We provide STEAM education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), foreign language courses (Spanish/Chinese), health science programs, and NCAA-approved academic standards.
How does the school support student health?
Surry Med Mobile provides free on-campus medical care for students, accepting Medicaid and most insurance plans to ensure accessible healthcare.
What college preparation resources are available?
Our counseling department offers college application guidance, scholarship databases, and standardized test preparation including PreACT and SAT resources.
Are there extracurricular opportunities?
We offer 28 athletic teams, fine arts programs, robotics, and entrepreneurship initiatives like the Beary Merry Market showcase.
How does the school engage with the community?
Through partnerships like SparkNC and T-Mobile Friday Night Lights, we connect students with local businesses and community service projects.
