ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown School District's Building 21 High School will become ASD’s newest theme-based school starting in 2025-26.
And it will get a new name, too, highlighting its learning themes.
"Building 21 will focus on artificial intelligence, computer science and allied health careers."
Allentown School District social media post
Building 21 will focus on artificial intelligence, computer science and allied health careers, according to a social media post Thursday from the district.
Allied health careers are related to the identification, evaluation and prevention of diseases, according to the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions.
The jobs include physical therapist, sonographer, radiologist, dental hygienist and others.
Building 21 will transition to its new themes in phases, introducing computer science courses in the fall. AI and allied health courses will follow in subsequent phases.
New name, new focus, new school
The district also will rename Building 21 to reflect its new focus on innovation, “future-focused” learning and “high-demand” careers.
ASD is accepting name suggestions via an online survey that's open until April 11.
"Theme-based schools are part of the vision for Allentown School District's future."
Allentown Schools Superintendent Carol Birks
Superintendent Carol Birks has said theme-based schools are part of her vision for the district’s future.
Last fall, the district opened Central Elementary STREAM Academy — the region’s first non-charter, non-private theme-based school, according to ASD.
Through a partnership with the Da Vinci Science Center, Central students are taught about science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and math.
They also spend time at the science center, which functions as a satellite campus.
Additionally, the district plans to build a new school on the city’s East Side for students in kindergarten through eighth grades.
Superintendent Birks said the district intends for the school to also have a theme.