Board of Education Considers Boundary for New Southeast Academy 

Greensboro, N.C. – A new Signature Career Academy is coming to Southeast High. The Board of Education is accepting feedback on the proposed boundaries for the Choice program, but families can apply as soon as Wednesday, Oct. 15.  

Under the proposal, students from Eastern, Northeast, Southeast and Southern high schools will be eligible to apply to attend the new Signature Career Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering at Southeast High, which is projected to open in August 2026. Students outside of that boundary will be zoned for the duplicate academy at Smith High. Both programs will be featured at the district’s annual Choice Showcase, happening Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the First Horizon Coliseum Special Events Center. The application window closes on Nov. 28.  

Public input will be accepted for 30 days, ending on Nov. 13. To provide input, click here. The board will vote on the boundaries at its Nov.18 meeting.  

In September, during Celebration of Excellence, Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley announced that the district had received more than $2.5 million in grants and donations to create a dedicated space for the signature career academy so it can be available for more students. The academy will prepare students for careers in modern, high-tech manufacturing centers such as the Toyota battery plant in Liberty.  

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of Education authorized negotiations to contract for renovations at Southeast High to house the academy.  

The Signature Career Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering will be the sixth signature career academy for Guilford County Schools and the second to focus on advanced manufacturing and engineering. Signature career academies allow students to earn industry credentials and get real-world experience that prepares them for high-paying local jobs.  

It's one of many ways that Guilford County Schools is providing the Guilford Guarantee, which promises that all GCS students have the opportunity to earn college credits up to an associate degree, an industry-recognized credential or a workplace learning experience.