Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy

The Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy (CASA) began as the Caldwell Career Center Middle College (CCCMC) in 2005, a collaboration between Caldwell County Schools, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI), and local industry. It was created to address workforce needs and offer students career-focused education. Initially centered on trades such as electrical, plumbing, and construction, the program evolved in response to changing economic demands. Six years ago, the school was renamed CASA and restructured to allow students to earn a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree within four years. CASA now offers three academies—Engineering, Health and Life Sciences, and Advanced Technologies—each with clear degree and career pathways.

Our STEM Brand and Core Identity

At CASA, our STEM brand is centered on creating a direct and powerful pathway from high school to a successful STEM career. Our core identity is defined by three fundamental pillars, which are visible in the daily life of every student and educator at our school.

First, we are a beacon of Career and College Readiness. Our strategic location directly on the CCC&TI campus is the single most important element of our identity. It is more than just a physical address; it is a collaborative partnership that allows students to fully immerse themselves in a college environment. Through dual enrollment and early college access, our students not only take high school courses but also pursue college credits and earn valuable, industry-recognized credentials. CASA also collaborates with local businesses and industries to offer hands-on learning experiences to prepare students for the workforce. The Advanced Technologies Academy and Engineering Academy perfectly embody this mission by focusing students on technical majors, such as Mechanical Engineering Technology or Electrical Engineering Technology, and providing them with the applied skills that make them invaluable to the workforce or prepared for further post-secondary study. This direct connection ensures our students are uniquely positioned to succeed from the moment they graduate.

Second, our brand is innovation-driven and rooted in applied sciences and technical skills. The very name of our academy highlights our commitment to hands-on, project-based learning. We believe that true learning goes beyond textbooks and is centered around authentic, real-world problem-solving. This is where the Health and Life Sciences Academy truly shines, immersing students in medical and bioscience fields through interdisciplinary projects, hands-on experiences, and exposure to industry-standard tools and environments. High school classes are intentionally tailored to align with academy goals, allowing students to engage in coursework and projects that reflect their individual interests and future career aspirations in healthcare and the life sciences. We are built to simulate authentic work environments, ensuring our students graduate with the practical skills and confidence to innovate.

Finally, we are a deeply Community-Connected institution with a strong sense of Ethical Responsibility. Our STEM education is not a solitary pursuit but a collaborative effort with our local businesses, higher education partners, and the community at large. We believe our mission is to "inspire academic and professional growth...while nurturing their core ethical principles." This focus on responsible citizenship and a strong ethical foundation is a key part of our mission, shaping future leaders and contributors. The strong collaboration with local industries through advisory boards and new initiatives like internships is a testament to this community-first approach.

Our Core Values and Beliefs

The core values and beliefs that guide our institution are deeply embedded in the daily practices of all our academies.

We believe in Equity of Access, ensuring all students, regardless of their background or personal circumstances, have access to high-quality STEM opportunities. Our diverse academies provide a pathway for every student to find their place, think critically, innovate, and succeed when provided with meaningful learning opportunities.

We value Real-World Relevance, believing that our curriculum must mirror industry practices and prepare students for authentic roles in their chosen fields. These hands-on, creative activities show students how academic concepts are applied in real-world contexts, making learning both relevant and engaging.

We champion Student Empowerment, nurturing an environment where students are encouraged to be leaders, collaborators, and active participants in their learning. Our classrooms and labs are innovation hubs where students can explore, question, and design solutions to complex problems. We understand that failure is a part of the process, and we teach our students to reflect on their mistakes and use them as a necessary step toward growth and resilience. 

We are committed to fostering Lifelong Learning and Innovation. Our program promotes curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset, preparing students not just for a specific job, but for a career of continuous discovery. We encourage our students to use STEM to learn various concepts, develop products that reflect their learning, and acquire skills that will be used on the job, preparing them for a future of evolving challenges and opportunities.

Finally, Collaboration and Partnerships are central to our model. We actively teach students to "care about one another" by promoting teamwork, effective communication, and respect for others' space and contributions, which are crucial skills for any professional environment.

Alignment to Cognia Standards and Continuous Improvement

Our institutional practices align strongly with the Cognia STEM Certification Standards and reflect a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Our Curriculum and Instruction is a blend of academic content and career/technical education. Pathways are aligned with NC state standards and industry credentialing bodies like OSHA. We place a heavy emphasis on project-based learning (PBL) and interdisciplinary connections, allowing students to tackle complex problems from multiple angles.

Our Student-Centered Learning Environment is built on inquiry-based instruction that encourages design thinking, exploration, and creative problem-solving. Classrooms and labs function as innovation hubs, with instruction provided by educators who act as facilitators of learning. Students are given authentic learning opportunities, such as capstone presentations to real audiences like industry representatives, parents, and community members.

Our vibrant STEM Culture and Community Engagement is reinforced through student clubs like Robotics and SkillsUSA, annual STEM Showcases, and active industry advisory boards that inform curriculum and provide mentorship. We've recently started a successful internship program, with plans for it to grow each year, building workforce readiness and career exposure. Our commitment to engaging parents and stakeholders is a cornerstone of our community.

In terms of Professional Learning and Staff Development, our teachers engage in ongoing, content-specific PD and cross-curricular planning as a whole staff, partnering with available resources. 

Our Overall Approach to Continuous Improvement is a core part of our institutional DNA. The partnership with CCC&TI provides a built-in mechanism for staying current with industry demands and workforce changes. We use data-driven decision-making, analyzing student achievement data, credentialing rates, and student survey feedback to annually revise our instructional models and curriculum.