The Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School (AAHS) on Monday announced that it had opened student enrollment ahead of its launch in August of this year.

Additionally, AAHS is actively hiring teachers and planning the construction of the school’s new building.

The aviation-focused charter school in November 2021 officially signed its contract with the Alabama Public Charter School Commission. AAHS will offer industry-aligned curriculum that aims to prepare students for careers in the fields of aerospace and aviation.

In a release announcing the school’s progression, AAHS CEO Ruben Morris expressed excitement regarding the school’s plans to open its doors later this year.

“We’re on track to open in August 2022. We’ve officially opened enrollment and are hiring teachers,” said Morris. “We also have a rendering of our future home. Things are moving along smoothly and we’re extremely excited. If you are a current eighth grader, you can now enroll in our founding class of AAHS students. The school is actively hiring teachers and staff right now and available positions are posted on the school’s website as well.”

The public charter school offers free admission and will serve students in grades nine through 12 in Bessemer and its surrounding communities. According to AAHS, its initial freshman class will enroll approximately 130-150 students. Freshman classes will increase in size each year until the maximum capacity of 500 students is reached.

AAHS will offer numerous STEM-related pathways and a college of preparatory curriculum. The school is partnering with Delta Tech Ops, which is the maintenance division of Delta Air Lines. Additionally, AAHS is partnering with the historically black colleges and universities of Tuskegee University, Miles College, Alabama State University, and Alabama A&M University.

Aerospace and computer science pathways will be provided for AAHS students through the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Auburn University Aviation.

According to a release, the school will open at its temporary location at the Foundation of Life Church in Bessemer. A permanent facility is being planned for the Bessemer Municipal Airport.

Morris advised that AAHS plans to begin the construction process on the new building before the year’s end.

“We are still negotiating the ground lease at the airport,” he said. “We are making progress and I’m confident we’ll break ground on the new building this year.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL