A new magnet school focusing on cyber technology and engineering will be established in Huntsville, Gov. Kay Ivey announced during her State of the State address.

"This school will prepare some of our state's highest-achieving students to enter the growing fields of cyber technology and engineering," Ivey said. "Just as Huntsville has always been on the leading edge of the rocket and aerospace industries, the Alabama School of Cyber-Technology and Engineering will ensure that Alabama students are at the forefront of today's emerging technologies."

Initial plans call for the school to begin classes by August 2020. The school will eventually serve more than 300 students from across Alabama in grades 7-12.

The location of the school has not been determined.

The announcement was met with praise by officials in Huntsville.

"We applaud Gov. Ivey's leadership to create the Alabama School of Cyber and Engineering. Gov. Ivey knows first-hand how important education is in shaping young people's lives and helping them to pursue careers that are rewarding," said Mike Ward, Sr. Vice President of the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber.

Alabama currently has two state magnet schools - the School of Fine Arts in Birmingham and the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science in Mobile.