The Signature Academies of Gaithersburg High School offer students a unique style of comprehensive secondary education. The academies foster and nurture academic success, professionalism  and personal growth while preparing our students for a global tomorrow. The academies are designed to promote rigor and relevance and provide students with an opportunity to explore a variety of career paths by choosing courses related to areas of interest.  In addition to the five career themed academies, Gaithersburg High School is the site of the National Academy Foundation's Academy of Information Teachnology(AOIT) and the nation's only student run trading room; in the Academy of Finance (AOF).

Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) is designed to create smaller schools within a larger school body. The academy structure nurtures the academic and career interests of students as they work toward graduation. The academies are inclusive and are designed to incorporate all learning styles.

To support students in the transition to high school, students begin their experience as a member of the Ninth Grade Academy. Students remain with a core group of teachers for a full year. At the end of 9th grade, students choose from 1 of 4 themed academies. All students, regardless of which academy they choose, will take core courses required for a Maryland High School Diploma and will have the opportunity to participate in Honors and Advanced Placement programs. To graduate from a themed academy, students are required to take three or more credits of coursework in their selected academy.

Smaller Learning Communities offer Gaithersburg High School students a unique style of comprehensive secondary education. All academies will foster skill development in problem solving, communication, and effective team building to
enhance personal growth.

High school reform research has shown that students in large high schools who are part of smaller learning communities:

Gaithersburg High School has strategically designed the 9th Grade Academy to assist students with the transition into high school and provide the supports that many 9th graders need to successfully complete high school level work. The strategies and support used are the following:

• Double period algebra courses -
• Connections course -
• Student recognition program -
• Two 9th grade counselors -
• Cross-curricular activities -
• Group Interventions -
• Shared planning time for team leaders -
• Professionald evelopment -
• Four team leaders to head each team -
• Team size = 90-150 -
• Biweekly team meeting using CAP collaboration -
• Reading classes with READ180 and other reading programs

Gaithersburg High School has reorganized the grade 10-12 academic programs for all students into four themed academies. Each Academy is designed to provide students with an opportunity to choose a group of related courses in an area of high interest that may lead to future careers. The themed academy structure promotes academic rigor, relevance, and improves relationships within the Gaithersburg High School community.

Academy Description: This program of study will be useful in the real world for those looking to use their creativity while excelling in a fast-paced business world. Studies of SAT scores by the College Board show that students in the arts score on the average 49 points higher on verbal and 35 points higher on math than students without arts coursework. The academy involves students in the visual and performing arts, broadcast media, and music. The art pathway gives students an understanding of the fundamentals of planning, designing, and producing visual pieces of art. The broadcast media pathway guides students in learning about on-air performance, advertising, news, and television production.  Programs are available for students to develop their talents by learning the fundamentals of performance in music, theater, and dance. A comprehensive course sequence exists within this academy for those students who have an interest in journalism. Students are required to take three or more credits of coursework in their selected academy.

Academy Description: Today’s business management professionals, entrepreneurs, or corporate employees assume a broad range of responsibilities involving decision-making, communications, teamwork, and financial and strategic planning. The Academy of Business Studies allows students to explore college preparatory and knowledge based business applications in marketing, finance, organizational management and entrepreneurship. Existing within this academy is the Academy of Finance (AOF), a highly specialized, nationally supported, financial education strand. For those with entrepreneurial spirit, both general entrepreneurial processes and those specific to the Hospitality and Cosmetology management fields are taught. Because of the diverse nature of this academy, students will have amply opportunity to thoroughly explore the world of business in a stimulating and challenging learning environment. Students are required to take three or more credits of coursework in their selected academy.

Academy Description: Students will pursue rigorous curricula in a pathway emphasizing leadership theory and community service projects while exploring global and multicultural issues. This academy promotes life-long learning in students who are interested in making a difference for individuals and community at large. This pathway prepares students for college and professional careers in education and in national, state, and local government. Students are required to take three or more credits of coursework in their selected academy.

Academy Description: Science and Technology professional require an ability to think abstractly and to conceptualize and synthesize new information quickly. These students will have an opportunity to utilize the latest research and computer equipment to provide real world experiences. Existing within this academy is the Academy of Information Technology (AOIT), a highly specialized and nationally supported, computer technology strand. Students are guided toward college and careers in science, medicine, and various fields of technology. Students are required to take three or more credits of coursework in their selected academy.