Unlike the previous centralized designs, this school was spread out into long buildings in a row, with open hallways.

[7] As air conditioning was no longer a concern, the design went back to being centralized, with the five main buildings centered around a large courtyard.

The improvement was aided by a $6 million gift from notable alumnus and professional basketball player Vince Carter.

Academies are special programs of study that focus a student's education on a specific subject.

[8] Beginning with students that enter during the 2008–2009 School year, the name will gradually be phased to "ASM", or the Academy of Science and Medicine, with the engineering track being removed, and more emphasis being placed on the medical and environmental aspects of the scientific field.

[citation needed] This academy uses technology such as: Autodesk AutoCAD and Inventor Pro and milling and CNC machines.

Students attracted to robotics, video game design and programming, and computer science can learn about these fields.

[citation needed] Mainland has several clubs and sports to choose from, which cover a wide variety of fields of interest.