Academy Program
The Academy of Science and Technology
A Tradition of Excellence
The Academy of Science and Technology is a highly focused program for students with a strong interest and aptitude in mathematics, science, and technology. Its challenging curriculum and requirements extend beyond the classroom. Academy students demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence by participating in a wide array of science fairs, competitions, symposia, and conferences that range from local to international arenas. Their numerous awards reflect not only their solid technical understanding but also their ability to apply their knowledge and creativity to solve challenging problems.
Recent classes had large representation of National Merit Semifinalists and Commended students. More than 95% of graduates take five or more AP tests and earn the rank of National AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, AP Scholar with Honor, or AP Scholar.
Programs
Students in the Academy exceed the requirements for the Foundation High School Program. Because all our students take Algebra II, earn at least one endorsement, such as STEM, and complete the Foundation High School Program, they are eligible to earn the Distinguished Level of Achievement. Depending on the number of years of a foreign language a student takes, our students are eligible to earn endorsements in Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies.
Academy Students must complete the following
- Academy Science Core:
- STS and Biology H(9th); Chemistry H (10th); AP Physics I (11th)
- AP Chemistry, AP Biology, or AP Physics C
- Academy Math Core
Four years of math to include Geometry H, Algebra II H, Dual Credit Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB and/or AP Calculus BC, Multi-variable Calculus, AP Statistics.
- Technology Core
- AP Computer Science Principles or Computer Science H in 10th grade
- A second technology course from the following: AP Computer Science, Digital Art and Animation, SRD II (Electronics & Robotics), or another approved course.
- Specialization Core
At least one additional advanced course: AP Chemistry, AP Physics C, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, Organic Chemistry (H), Anatomy and Physiology (H), or another approved course.
- Career Path Emphasis
Academy students quite naturally select a career path emphasis such as engineering, medicine, biotechnology, computer science, etc. that is consistent with the course selections in 11th and 12th grades.
- Career Component
Students must earn 14.0 credits in Explorations in Science and Technology by the end of the sophomore year. Once students have completed the exploration credit requirement, they are eligible to do the required 80-hour internship.
- Research and Problems Project
Students in ninth grade take Special Topics in Science and fulfill the requirement through their science fair project. In subsequent years students must select from the following to earn R&P credit I, R&P credit II, and R&P credit III: Science Fair, Destination Imagination, Envirothon, FIRST Robotics, Quiz Bowl, or Science Bowl.
- Enrollment Component
Students must be enrolled in at least three Academy classes each year. Students in 11th and 12th grades may enroll in four or five Academy classes.
- Senior Component
Students must be in good standing and meet all requirements to be considered a senior in good standing to receive the Academy Medallion and AST Profile and participate in the Senior Gala.