Bessemer Schools Set Their Sights on Birmingham Expansion
Bessemer, Alabama—Big things are on the horizon for the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School, a charter school that opened its doors just last year! This exciting establishment, dedicated to preparing students for the rapidly growing aerospace and aviation industries, is bursting at the seams and eager to branch out into the vibrant city of Birmingham.
From Dreams to Reality
Since opening in 2022, the school has seen remarkable growth, with about 200 students currently enrolled. This is quite the accomplishment for a school that started just over a year ago! The inaugural graduating class is set to walk across the stage in May of 2025, and they’ll be doing so with some impressive credentials. Three students will be graduating with a private pilot’s license, while several others will receive certifications in aircraft maintenance. Talk about launching careers!
Reaching for the Skies
Mauri Robinson, the Director of Operations in Finance, expressed great enthusiasm about the school’s future. “Our original vision was to have the school in Birmingham. Unfortunately, back in 2020, when we first petitioned, we were unsuccessful. We definitely understand why Birmingham denied us at that time—we didn’t have any data,” Robinson said. But now, they are proud to show how far they have come!
New Campus on the Horizon
As the Bessemer location hits capacity, there are exciting plans to move to the Bessemer Airport—an ideal location for an aviation-focused school. But fear not, Bessemer residents! The school has no plans to close their doors in their current location. Instead, they’re aiming to open a second campus in Birmingham, with two potential sites already in the works: on-campus at Birmingham Southern and the long-vacant Kirby Middle School. Robinson is optimistic about the potential for Kirby’s revival, stating, “It has the bones and structure that a school like us could come in and utilize.”
A Growing Need for Aviation Professionals
The demand for careers in aerospace and aviation is higher than ever, with a notable pilot shortage sweeping across the nation. “As most Americans know, there is a pilot shortage. The industry is looking for what we are doing,” Robinson explained. It seems like the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School is not only filling a gap in education but also preparing students to soar into lucrative careers in the aviation field!
Looking Ahead to 2026
Should the Birmingham Board of Education give the green light during their January meeting, the new campus could open as soon as Fall 2026. A public hearing was recently conducted, serving as the next step in the petition process. If the board does deny the proposal, the school has the option to appeal to the state commission for further consideration.
Data-Driven Confidence
Robinson is confident that the school can prove its success with the data they have gathered. “We have data to show what we’re doing is successful, and we believe that we can add value to the educational system here in Birmingham,” he remarked, clearly enthusiastic about the future.
As the gears of progress turn, both current and future students are buzzing with excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead. With the prospect of a new campus and the aviation industry’s increasing demand for skilled professionals, the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School is certainly on the path to take off!
