Michael E DeBakey High School-Qatar, the first medical science-focused high school in the Middle East, has entered its second academic year attracting more students. The total number of students in this outstanding American High School has gone up three fold on the second year, after the launch of the school in September 2008. Against the enrolment of a total of 45 students during the last academic year, the number has gone up to more than 150. Of this, less than 30 are Qatari students, said Agnes E Bell, Director and Principal of Michael E DeBakey High School for Health Professions-Qatar (DHSHP-Q). The DeBakey offers students a college preparatory curriculum in science, mathematics and medical science. It is an alternative to the traditional high school experience that prepares students for careers in medicine and science, he said. The DHSHP-Q is a branch campus of the Michael E DeBakey High School for Health Professions (DHSHP) in Houston, Texas, USA. Established in 1972, in collaboration with the Houston Independent School District and Baylor College of Medicine, the parent school was the first health-focused magnet high school in the nation. DHSHP offers its students a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, which includes five years of science and mathematics, along with an excellent introductory study of medicine. “Last year, we welcomed students to grades VII, VIII and IX. This year we have students up to Grade XI. The Grade XII will be opening from next academic year”, said Charlsetta Deason, President/CEO of the Qatar campus. Deason said the students-teacher ratio at the Qatar campus is restricted to 15:1. “The school received a total of 250 applications this year. But we could accommodate only the eligible students.”, she said. Agnes E Bell said the DeBakey was invited to bring the first medical science focused high school in the Middle East. The Qatar campus offers a US curriculum including extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The Seventh and Eighth grade Academy focuses on preparing students for the rigorous high school curriculum in grades 9-12. Beginning with the graduating class of 2013, the Doha campus will offer these students a careful college preparatory curriculum, which includes five years of science and mathematics, courses in engineering and technology along with an excellent introductory study of medicine. Students will have the opportunity to have experiences with medical professionals as well as earn credit through on-line “Virtual School” courses, dual credit courses with local universities and college credit through Advanced Placement Exams. The Qatar campus has an open administration that encourages students to voice their comments and suggestions concerning ways to improve the school’s academic and social environment. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=September2009&file=Local_News200909022443.xml

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