Baldwin Preparatory Academy marked a milestone on July 25, as Principal Adam Sealy received the keys to the new state-of-the-art facility.

The academy's opening this August will signify the first academic year for the school, which aims to revolutionize career and technical education in Baldwin County.

"7-25-24 will forever be a special day in Baldwin County. We have the keys to the building!!!!" Baldwin Prep announced in a Facebook post last Thursday.

Superintendent Eddie Tyler, who oversees Baldwin County Public Schools, noted the high demand for the academy. According to a Gulf Coast Media article from December 2023, the district received over 1,000 applications from interested students within a week of opening the application process. Another previous GCM article noted the school will open at enrollment capacity.

The conception of Baldwin Prep was driven by the need to replace outdated facilities currently used for career technology education. The new school will offer a diverse range of courses, including automotive engine repair, diesel repair, construction, welding, aviation, HVAC/plumbing and electrical, mechatronics engineering, health sciences, cybersecurity, graphic design, teacher cadet academy, culinary arts and cosmetology and barbering.

Beginning in the 10th grade, accepted students will leave their current high schools and transition to Baldwin Prep. They will complete their high school education with a blend of core academic classes and hands-on training in their chosen career fields, working in a simulated work environment rather than following a traditional school schedule.

Unique features of Baldwin Prep include wearing industry-recognized uniforms based on their program pathway, participating in weekly team meetings, using multiple collaboration and pod learning spaces, attending meetings and demonstrations with industry stakeholders on campus and taking core classes that apply subject material to industry and career contexts.