On August 7th, the first ever Catoosa Career Academy opened its doors! The principal is Mark Peirce, Mrs. Marissa Brower is the CEO, Dr. Lisa Logan is the COA principal and dual enrollment coordinator, and Mrs. Shaneka Hunt is the counselor. CCA was built for students who want to learn more about their future careers with hands-on experience such as advanced public safety, welding, advanced healthcare, cybersecurity, and so much more. CCA also offers an advanced academic pathway through Dalton State College and Georgia Northwestern Technical College. With this program, students can earn up to thirty college credit hours. Abigail Compton. a junior CCA student, stated, “I’m taking advanced math and advanced composition, and it is definitely different from high school. I would say it’s less strict.” The CCA is committed to preparing students to be college-ready, career-ready, and life-ready.
“The best highlight so far has been seeing students arrive on campus. Their energy is infectious, and they have made the Academy halls come alive,” Mr. Pierce explained. “I love hearing them talk about their classes and seeing them make new friends from the other two high schools.” Also, opening a new school comes with its challenges. It has its natural challenges, but the main challenge has been “waiting on a few supplies to arrive.” Otherwise, things go very smoothly “thanks to an amazing faculty and staff,” Mr. Pierce expressed. Since the school opened, the staff has learned the good and bad but the sky’s the limit. Students enjoy the freedom and the class options. If you are interested in joining the Academy contact your high school counselor for more information and requirements.
