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COHEA Career & Collegiate Academy Earns National STEM Certification from COGNIA

Hialeah, Florida (February 19, 2020)

COHEA Career and Collegiate Academy has earned the National Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) certification by Cognia. The school-improvement, assessment, and certification organization Cognia recognizes organizations that provide quality STEM programs and implement student-directed learning environments.

“COHEA’s cutting-edge, career-oriented curriculum focuses on public service while preparing students for the real world,” explained Principal Carlos O. Alvarez. “This certification demonstrates our commitment to delivering a high-quality STEM education to all of our students.”

The Cognia STEM certification process is carried out by highly qualified reviewers who examine the school or program’s adherence and commitment to the research-aligned Cognia STEM standards and indicators. COHEA exceeded expectations in six out of the eleven indicators evaluated by the Cognia team, which they call “Powerful Practices.” These practices include supporting a variety of student populations; providing inquiry-based learning environments; empowering self-directed learning experiences; focusing on real-world applications and community; preparing students for post-secondary and workforce readiness; and active involvement of all stakeholders.

Students at COHEA are given opportunities to work collaboratively and independently through inquiry-based lessons in their core-classes and academies, which include a Fire Fighter Academy, Allied Health Professionals Academy, Criminal Justice Academy, Mass Communications Academy, Collegiate Academy, and Law & Legal Academy.

COHEA is now part of a prestigious network of Cognia STEM Certified schools and will continue to build upon the success of the STEM program with the implementation of a Nursing Academy next year.

About COHEA

COHEA Career and Collegiate Academy offers a cutting-edge, 6-12th grade seamless college preparatory and STEM influenced curriculum with an emphasis on emergency response, health, and law enforcement careers. Located on a college-style campus, the school features a technology-rich environment where highly-qualified, certified instructors prepare students for employment within a multilingual work environment. COHEA is committed to setting an environment that strives for academic achievement, develops character and maintains the goal of preparing students to serve and give back to their community in the field of public service. COHEA has been nationally recognized by Newsweek Magazine, was named U.S. News and World Report’s BEST High Schools Silver Award, and was ranked on The Daily Beast’s 2014 list of top high schools in the U.S. Due to the school’s high level of free/reduced lunches, the school was also ranked among the most transformative schools in the country. COHEA is an “A” school under the State of Florida Accountability Program and is fully accredited by AdvancED under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI) division.

Cognia has the knowledge to help schools improve. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, professional services and consulting within a framework of continuous improvement. The result of the merger of AdvancED and Measured Progress, Cognia was formed to bridge the gap between school evaluation and student assessment. As a global nonprofit working in over 80 countries, our 36,000 institutions serve and support nearly 25 million students and 5 million educators every day. Cognia is an undeniable force for enhancing schools, engaging students, and driving better outcomes for all.

Find out more at cognia.org.