Craft Academy ranked as a top high school STEM program nationwide

While the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics at Morehead State University is turning high-achieving high schoolers into the leaders of tomorrow, its efforts are gaining national recognition.

Study.com, an online resource to help research higher education institutions, degrees, and careers, ranked the Craft Academy #6 on its Top 30 High School STEM Programs list for 2024. It is the only academy or high school in Kentucky to make the list.

Study.com's rankings factor in student/teacher ratios, scores in STEM subjects, AP test participation, and a STEM innovation score partially based on innovation in each school's curricular and extra-curricular STEM offerings.

"The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics at Morehead State University strives to build a premier program. Being ranked 6th on this list is even more affirming that Craft Academy is a premier university program," said Dr. Carol Christian, director of the Craft Academy. "The Academy enhances student learning through STEM internships, experiential learning experiences, international education opportunities and hands-on research working with renowned MSU professors. Our alumni, as next-generation STEM leaders, are impacting the economic development of the communities in which they live. The best is yet to be."

The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics is a dual-credit academy for academically exceptional Kentucky students. Craft Academy provides students with postsecondary residential experience to complete their junior and senior high school years by enrolling in college courses.

In June 2024, MSU's Board of Regents formally dedicated the Alumni Tower, the residence hall home to the Craft Academy, as "The Craft Tower," to recognize the contributions of Dr. Joe and Ambassador Kelly Craft to the Academy. The University held a ceremony for the dedication, which MSU leadership, the campus community, and Craft Academy students attended.

Since opening in 2015, the Craft Academy has graduated eight classes. According to various reviews, it ranks among the top high schools in the United States. Most students come from east of I-64, including many from eastern Kentucky. This year, the Craft Academy has a record enrollment of 237 students, making it the largest dual-credit academy in Kentucky.

For more information about the Craft Academy, email craftacademy@moreheadstate.edu or call  606-783-2093.