To love Northside, you must first experience Northside, and once you do, it is in your blood forever. You see, when you make a decision to become a Northside Patriot, you enter into our family where the atmosphere and climate are second to none. Northside strives to accomplish two very important goals: We want to make you feel safe, offering the best environment possible, and we want to challenge you to become college and career ready. These two very important aspects go hand in hand in becoming a well-rounded student. NHS offers two different magnet course options, Biotechnology, and Engineering. These classes are introduced during each student’s sophomore year and gives them the opportunity to see if they want to pursue this field after graduation.

Students will explore the concepts of human medicine and be introduced to topics such as physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. They will follow a three-year sequence of classes beginning in their sophomore year in small group settings of fewer than 24 students.

This course enables students to receive initial exposure to many Healthcare Science careers. The concepts of human growth and development, interaction with patients and family members, health, wellness, and preventative care are evaluated, as well as the legal, and ethical responsibilities of today’s healthcare provider. Fundamental healthcare skills development is initiated including microbiology, basic life support, and first aid. This course provides students with the competitive edge to be the better candidate for entry into the healthcare marketplace and/or the post-secondary institution of their choice to continue their education and training.
Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Students design experiments and investigate the structures and functions of the human body. This class will also introduce students to a broad understanding of the fundamentals of biotechnology and its impact on society. The knowledge and skills in this course provide a basic overview of current trends and careers in biotechnology, with an emphasis on laboratory skills.
Students are further introduced to the fundamentals of biotechnology that will expand and increase the student’s comprehension of how biotechnology utilizes living systems to create products and enhance lives. In addition, laboratory applications learned in this course form the pivotal component distinguishing science theory from application in bioscience.
Students will explore the concepts of engineering, science, math, and technology through a project-based, hands-on approach to solving complex, open-ended problems in a real-world context. They learn how to apply STEM knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to make the world a better place through innovation.

This course provides a foundation for students who are interested in electrical engineering, electronics, or circuit design. Students study topics such as combinational and sequential logic and are exposed to circuit design tools used in industry, including logic gates, integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices. Students are able to participate in a variety of career-focused activities, leadership opportunities, and recognition in competitive events such as Skills USA and the Technology Student Association.
Students dig deeply into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems that will benefit from using 3-D modeling software. Students will get individual time with instructors to increase their knowledge in a small group setting of less than 20 students.
Students explore a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem-solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation.

Magnet Application Process

The Magnet application window for the 24-25 school year has not opened yet.  As soon as it opens MCSD will make an announcement and you can check back here for more information.

Introduction to Northside’s Magnet Programs

Northside Experience 

“I really enjoy taking magnet classes. The hands-on activities that we get to experience are really eye-opening and engaging. The classes inspire me to study Engineering in college.”
Ryan Jankowski

Engineering Magnet, Class of 2023

“I enjoy engineering because it teaches me problem-solving skills that I can place on parts of my personal life. It also corresponds to my computer class, so it is easier to understand both classes!”
Joy Edwards

Engineering Magnet, Class of 2022

“This program has fueled my appreciation for careers involving medical and biological aspects. It has also helped me find friends that share similar interests with me and motivate me towards a common goal.”

Jaila Vanderhorst

Biomedical Magnet, Class of 2022

Announcements & General Information

Magnet Informational Booklet

Download (PDF, 2.11MB)

Magnet Class of 2026
Click HERE to check out the latest information for the Magnet Class of 2026!
Community Service/ Volunteer Hours
In a normal school year, 25 hours of magnet community service are required. However, for the 20-21 school year, we are waiving those 25 hours.  Students, if you are in the magnet program for ALL 4 years, then as a senior you will need a minimum of 75 hours in order to meet your magnet requirement.  You can earn more than 25 hours per year and they can roll over for the following year.   You can earn hours by bringing in items to the food drive, book collections, or other types of drives going on this year in order to add to your total  Please check the Northside website and Instagram account for opportunities.  For those of you that have completed hours but have not turned them in, please get them to Mrs. Fuller as soon as possible.  If you have any questions or need to email documentation please do so at Fuller.Denise.M@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

Download (PDF, 197KB)

Summer Volunteer Opprtunities

Download (PDF, 66KB)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch pathways once I’m in the magnet program?

No, you are not able to switch pathways due to the sequencing and scheduling of the 3 required classes.

Do I have to take an AP class?

YES, magnet students are required to follow the advanced track for science as follows:  Honors Physical Science (if not taken in 8th grade) Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry and at least 1 AP class from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science. IF you are a dual enrolled student then a college science class will meet this requirement.

What happens if I have failing grades in my classes?

Magnet student grades will be checked each 9-week grading period.  If there are failing grades, parents will receive a letter in the mail and students will have a conference with Mrs. Fuller. If failing grades continue in the next grading period then a parent/student conference will be held with Mrs. Fuller and the student will be placed on probation. A contract will be put into place and if the student violates any of the stipulations of the contract, then magnet status will be terminated and the student will need to go to their home school of record at the end of the next 9 week grading period! If students are placed on probation, it is for the remainder of the student’s time as a student at Northside High School. Magnet students are not allowed to have failing final grades (end of year) in ANY class.  This will result in an automatic removal from the program.

What if I am a dual enrolled student and I fail a class?

Even though you are participating in dual enrollment you are still required to follow the same expectations regarding grades for your classes at Northside.  If you fail a college class, which is only a semester class, then you will violate your student/parent responsibly contract and you will lose your magnet status. If so, then you will need to return to your home school of record either in January (for a fall semester class) or in August for the start of the school year (after a spring or summer class)

BEHAVIOR and ATTENDANCE:

I receive notices from Mr. Laney’s office regarding any behavior or attendance issues.  Depending on the severity a student/parent conference could be requested. If a student is assigned to alternative school, then immediate loss of the magnet hardship ensues and the student will return to their home school of record once the mandated time is completed at AIM.

When and where do I receive my magnet cords for graduation?

Cords are received at the last graduation practice held at NHS.  There is not a magnet cord fee, this was included in your one-time magnet activity fee.

If you need to see me, come by my office before school, any time after 3rd period or after school. I am available during 1st and 2nd lunch only.

Graduation Requirements
Registration