From the President

As our conversations with prospective students and their families continue across Alabama, I’ve noticed something encouraging: Families are asking thoughtful, practical academic questions.

Students want to know not just what they’ll study at the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, but how it connects to their future and whether this experience will truly prepare them for college, careers, and life beyond high school.

That’s exactly the kind of thinking we hope to inspire. And we hope our unique and carefully crafted program of healthcare-connected academics and hands-on career preparation will motivate them to apply.

Here are three of the questions I hear most often.

 

“How is ASHS different from the Health Science program offered at my school?”

This is probably the question I hear most frequently, and it’s an important one. Many schools across Alabama offer excellent career tech and health science opportunities, and we respect the work being done in those programs. But ASHS was designed differently from the ground up.

At ASHS, healthcare is not simply an elective pathway or a few courses added onto a traditional schedule. It shapes the entire educational experience, and because it’s done in a residential setting, the school is completely immersive.

Students will still take core academic classes such as English, history, science, and math. The difference is that those subjects are taught through a healthcare lens. Coursework still meets state curriculum requirements for graduation, but our instructors have been hired for their willingness to adapt. A world history class, for instance, may examine pandemics and medical breakthroughs. Writing coursework will explore crafting research and healthcare-specific communications. Computer science courses will include healthcare technology and innovation.

Learning also extends well beyond the classroom. From freshman year forward, students will participate in hands-on experiences, workplace exposure, simulations, clinical observations, service projects, and mentorship opportunities with real healthcare professionals.

Our progression builds knowledge and confidence:

• Freshman year focuses on awareness.

• Sophomore year encourages exploration.

• Junior year builds preparation and practical skills.

• Senior year culminates in internships and real-world experiences.

The goal is not simply to teach students about healthcare. It is to help them begin living and understanding it in authentic ways.

 

“What credentials will students receive at the conclusion of an ASHS program?”

Students at ASHS will have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials, certifications, dual enrollment that wracks up college credits, and practical experiences that strengthen both college and workforce readiness.

The exact certifications available may vary depending on pathway and program growth over time, but our vision is clear: Students should graduate with more than a diploma. They should leave with meaningful experiences, practical skills, leadership development, and tangible accomplishments that give them a head start in higher education and healthcare careers.

Students will also participate in HOSA Future Health Professionals, which offers leadership development, competitions, networking, and service opportunities that help students grow both personally and professionally.

And importantly, students will build confidence.

By the time ASHS students graduate, many will already have experience interacting with healthcare professionals, working in clinical environments, participating in simulations, and understanding the expectations of healthcare careers in ways most high school students simply have not yet encountered.

 

“What if I change my mind about my career path later?”

This may actually be my favorite question because it reflects maturity and self-awareness. The answer is simple: You will not be off track.

An ASHS education is designed to prepare students for many futures, not just one specific job.

Healthcare today touches nearly every field imaginable: Technology, business, communications, public policy, engineering, education, research, law, data science, and more. The life skills students develop here — communication, professionalism, leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving — have universal value. They can be used in healthcare leadership positions that do not involve direct patient care, or can have value in other fields.

Even students who ultimately pursue different paths will leave ASHS exceptionally prepared for college and for life — and will have a strong foundation that will enable them to pivot back to healthcare at any point. ASHS gives students time to explore possibilities and interests.

That exploration is not a detour. It is part of education done well.

At ASHS, we are building an academic experience designed to challenge students, support growth, and help young people discover where their talents and passions can make the greatest impact.

And sometimes, discovering that begins simply by asking good questions. Keep them coming!

Looking forward to a week full of questions (at lbailey@ALhealthcareHS.org) — and applications,

Laura

Recruiting season at the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences means venturing out across the state and meeting students and families face-to-face. We’re sharing information. We’re encouraging applications as the extended May 15 deadline approaches.

But perhaps most importantly, we’re listening.

And no matter where we go — just this past week to Birmingham, Selma, Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Eclectic and beyond — the same thoughtful questions come up again and again. That tells me something important: Students and families aren’t just thinking about what they are going to learn. They’re thinking carefully about what life here will actually feel like.

So this week, I want to answer the three questions we hear most often.

1) “Can we come home on weekends?”

Absolutely.

We believe strongly in keeping family and community connections intact. Our calendar is designed with that in mind. At first glance, it looks like a traditional Alabama public school calendar with color-coded dates and blocs, holidays and breaks.

Because we’re a boarding school, weekends are also significant, and down time is built in for things such as maintenance of facilities. Opportunities abound to head home, recharge, and reconnect.

At the same time, our goal on campus is to balance a traditional schedule and rigorous academics  by creating a lifestyle and culture appealing enough that students want to stay and engage, too. The residential team and I take that seriously. We’re not just stern supervisors — we’re building a home, a place that feels welcoming, supportive, and yes, fun.

That balance matters. And we’re committed to getting it right.

2) “How will security work, especially on a university campus?”

This is always a great question, and it deserves a thoughtful explanation. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students.

During our first year, while our permanent Demopolis campus is under construction, ASHS students will live and learn on a dedicated mini-campus at the University of West Alabama in Livingston. This will be a clearly defined, secure environment designed specifically for our students.

Throughout the day, we will have  professional security, a live-in residential staff, and counseling support. Students will be fully supervised throughout the day, including to and from the main UWA dining hall, where they’ll have 19 meals per week.

In addition, UWA’s campus police will continue to patrol the area on their regular schedule, as they currently do, providing an added layer of safety and peace of mind. They remain easily accessible and are always just a phone call away.

It’s worth noting that UWA is not new to this. For years, the university has successfully partnered to host a full pre-K–12 public charter school on its campus. Supporting younger students in a university setting is something they understand — and do well.

3) “What will students do outside of class?”

This might be my favorite question because the answer is: A lot.

There will be spaces in the living quarters to relax and connect. We’re introducing a “house” system to create smaller communities within the larger one, places where students feel known, connected, and supported. Mentorship has started and will be a major part of the experience, including partnerships with McCollough Pre-Med Scholars from the University of Alabama.

As students are accepted to pioneer the ASHS experience and are invited to special events, the energy of a community is already palpable in their interactions. They’re not just joining a school; they’re helping to build it. Clubs, activities, service opportunities — many of these will student-shaped and -led from the very beginning.

And weekends spent at ASHS won’t be quiet. From “Demopolis Days” to “Tuscaloosa Days,” we’ll be exploring the region, building friendships, and making the most of this shared experience.

If you have more questions, and I hope you do, join one of our twice-weekly virtual drop-in Zoom sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays or reach out to me directly at acooper@ALhealthcareHS.org.

We’re building something different here. And the best versions of it will come from listening — to you.

 

All ears,

Dr. Antonio Cooper

Dean of Students

Leaders of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences have spent the past several months meeting extraordinary students across this state — young people who are already imagining and planning how they can make a difference in the lives of others. And because we know there are more of you out there still weighing your options, we’re pleased to share a simple update:

Our application deadline has been extended to May 15.

This is good news — but it’s not a reason to wait.

The truth is that the sooner you apply, the sooner you can begin stepping into what makes ASHS such a unique experience. Accepted students are already being invited into and helping shape a growing community. They are meeting future classmates, connecting with mentors, and attending special events designed to help them prepare for both the academic and residential aspects of life on campus.

These early moments matter. They build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging before the first day of class ever begins. They’re a reminder that at ASHS, learning doesn’t start in August. It starts the moment you say yes to the opportunity, and it won’t always take place in a classroom or in a professional healthcare setting. It’s remarkable to see the growth that happens in social settings and the connections that are made.

Our team is still on the road, too — visiting schools, attending health fairs, and meeting students and families wherever we can. These conversations are some of the most important work we do because they help students see themselves in this space, living on campus, learning through a healthcare lens, and preparing for futures that are both personally enriching and in demand.

If you’d like us to visit your school or community event, we would welcome the opportunity. You can reach our Director of Recruitment, Kasani Bell, at kbell@ALhealthcareHS.org to make arrangements.

If you’re a rising 9th or 10th grader or the parent of one, and you’ve been considering ASHS, this extended timeline is your invitation. Take a closer look. Ask questions. Start the application. You can scan the QR code on the graphic or visit ALhealthcareHS.org to begin.

There’s something powerful about being part of a first class, about helping shape a school’s culture while preparing for a future in healthcare that begins long before college. We’re building that kind of environment here, both with professional purpose and a strong element of nurturing.

Now, we’re making sure more students have the chance to be part of it.

Encouraging you to take that step — and soon,

Kasani Bell

Director of Recruitment

 

At many schools with admissions requirements, you apply, and if you’re accepted you wait and show up on the first day. That’s not how it works here. At the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, if you’re accepted, your experience begins right away.

We’re already seeing the blueprint we’ve been crafting coming to life — what happens when young people with character and commitment find others with powerful interests and traits in common.

After acceptance letters hit their email and snail mailboxes, students and families from across the state are invited to meet up at strategically planned events — so far, on the campus of the University of West Alabama, where our first class will live and learn, and in venues that feel a little less formal but just as socially purposeful. A bowling party. A buffet and round of mini-golf.

Conversations that start as introductions quickly show signs of deepening. Parents connect. Teachers and school leaders on both the academic and residential sides gain important insights into the students they’ll be guiding.

That sense of community isn’t waiting for August. It’s already taking shape.

Academically, the same is true. Our students aren’t just preparing for a future in healthcare—they’re stepping into it early. Through a partnership with the McCollough Scholars at the University of Alabama, students are paired with high-achieving pre-med mentors who understand exactly what this path looks like. These are relationships that can grow over time, offering guidance, encouragement, and a real-world perspective on what lies ahead.

And there are the shared memories and connections already being made. Selfies snapped. Students suggesting roommate pairings. Trying on the ASHS merch, the T-shirts and wristbands. The yard signs grabbed to be planted in front yards around Alabama.

Small things with a big message for students, families, the ASHS team: I’m part of this. We are part of this.

We have an important deadline coming up, but it’s important to know that your application will hit at a perfect time for you to get in on all the fellowship, fun, and important groundwork that will be done between now and move-in day Aug. 11, followed by orientation Aug. 12, and the first day of classes Aug. 13.

If ASHS is the right fit, we’ll be hooking you up right away with people who share your goals and will explore your interests with you. And we can report first-hand that they know how to have fun, too. Work-life balance is going to be one of the most useful personal skills you master at ASHS.

If you’re already involved in health sciences or HOSA, encourage your friends to apply, too. Our team is still on the road, meeting with 8th and 9th graders across Alabama who are ready to take that first step, and we’re excited when we find students who have an established friendship rooted in a STEM or healthcare interest who see strength in attending together.

If we haven’t made it to your area yet, we’ll meet you where you are, through virtual sessions, Zoom calls, and one-on-one conversations with families who want to learn more.

Once your application is in, we’ll expedite processing it, securing the needed records and references, and scheduling interviews as quickly but thoughtfully as possible.

Don’t get left behind. The opportunity is here, but the timeline is real — and the April 27 deadline is fast approaching. Apply today at ALhealthcareHS.org—and if we’re the right fit, you won’t just be accepted. You’ll get started.

Anxious to look out on a sea of shining faces and scrubs,

Laura Bailey,

Vice President, Dean of Curriculum

 

As Dean of Students at the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, my focus is on shaping a student experience where young people feel supported, challenged, and truly at home.

While high expectations are part of any strong school, my work is really about building community, fostering independence, and ensuring that every part of campus life is intentional and aligned with who we want our students to become.

But because our students will also live here, my role doesn’t stop at the school day. It extends into every part of daily life. Call it Dean of Students meets Lifestyle Guru. Dorm rooms, dining, security, recreation, and 24/7 support — every detail matters, and every detail is intentional.

And here’s what I’ve learned: The added complexity of a residential school isn’t a challenge to manage — it’s an opportunity to embrace.

Because when students live and learn together, something meaningful takes shape. They grow not just academically, but personally. They learn responsibility, independence, and how to be part of a community. They support one another, challenge one another, and build connections that last far beyond high school.

It’s an experience you simply can’t replicate in a traditional school setting.

At ASHS, students won’t just share classrooms and chit-chat over sack lunches. They’ll  find a different kind of “family” in structured “houses” where they can share ideas, late-night study sessions, big dreams, and the occasional “I’m not sure I’m ready for that test tomorrow” moment. They’ll build friendships that stretch beyond hometowns and backgrounds, forming a statewide community united by a common purpose: Improving healthcare and serving others.

And here’s the part that makes this inaugural class so special: Our first students won’t just join a school. They’ll help shape it. Traditions don’t exist yet. Culture isn’t set in stone. The tone, the spirit, the stories that future classes will inherit — those will begin with them.

That’s a rare and enticing opportunity.

Now, as a Dean of Students and someone who has worked with young people for many years, I know what parents are thinking and absolutely validate their concerns.

Is my child safe? Will they be supported? Will they still feel connected to home?

The answer is yes, intentionally and thoughtfully so.

Our first year will take place on a dedicated, secure mini-campus at the University of West Alabama, designed specifically for ASHS students. This is not a “drop them off and hope for the best” situation. It’s a structured, supportive environment with clear expectations, experienced educators, and caring adults who are present, visible, and invested, and who will make sure that communication flows freely between school and home.

Students will have access to teachers, residential staff, and counselors who know them, not just as students, but as individuals. Already our accepted students are being paired with role model  student mentors from UA’s pre-med program, part of the McCollough Scholars.

And when it comes to activities beyond our mini-campus, whether it’s a visit to our partner hospital or even the 19 trips-a-week to the (very impressive, and yes, thoroughly tested by yours truly) all-you-can-eat, buffet-style dining hall, everything will be fully supervised by ASHS staff.

At the same time, we recognize how important family and community connections are. This isn’t about replacing those bonds — it’s about strengthening them. Students will stay connected to home (eagerly sharing, we imagine) while growing into independence, confidence, and responsibility. Not only will plenty of opportunities be built in for trips home and for family visits to the school, but connection with healthcare partners in students’ communities will enable them to start enhancing and displaying their knowledge during school breaks.

What a setting to call both their “alma mater” and their “home away from home” for four years!

As construction continues on our permanent campus in Demopolis,  just steps away from Whitfield Regional Hospital, we’re building more than classrooms and residence halls. We’re creating a place intentionally designed for how students live, learn, and prepare for real careers in healthcare.

From the outset, students will already be experiencing what makes ASHS unique: Mentorship from healthcare professionals, opportunities to shadow in real-world settings, and a support system that encourages purpose-driven learning every day, with community service opportunities for them to understand  the importance of helping those in need.

And let’s talk about something families always appreciate hearing: There is no tuition or boarding cost to attend ASHS. There is a modest fee to help cover the meal plan and activities, and there will be an application process for financial assistance if needed.

This is the proverbial once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A brand-new school. A statewide mission. A chance to be part of something meaningful from Day One.

But the window is closing.

With the April 27 application deadline approaching and spots filling quickly, now is the time to take that step.

Because at ASHS, your student won’t just be preparing for the future. They’ll be helping build it.

Looking forward to your family becoming part of Our Family,

Dr. Antonio Cooper, Dean of Students