Loudoun Academy of Science
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Loudoun Academy of Science is a a part time alternative school program for high school students enrolled in Loudoun County Public Schools. Currently, the program is located at the campus of Dominion High School at 21326 Augusta Drive in Sterling, Virginia.
[edit] History and Structure
The Academy was established in 2005 as a magnet program of science and technology for Loudoun County students. Unlike Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology of Fairfax County, the program is considered to be a good alternative for Loudoun students because it is located closer to them, while Jefferson is in Alexandria, over 30 miles away from Sterling and even further away in central and western Loudoun County.
The purpose of the Academy is to help allow gifted students in science and technology to take advanced math and science courses at the academy, which include Advanced Placement courses, as well as classes completely devoted to scientific research. Science classes in the 9th and 10th grades integrated physical components of earth science, physics, and chemistry in preparation for AP level electives that are mandatory in the 11th and 12th grades. The math curriculum integrates statistics and modeling in all of its courses, which range from Algebra to Multivariable Calculus.
[edit] Admissions
The admissions process is very competitive for 8th graders who wish to attend the Academy, based on students' academic performance in middle school, as well as teacher recommendations. Extremely gifted 9th and 10th graders are encouraged to apply to the academy as well.
[edit] Extra Curricular Activities and Athletics
All students who attend the Academy go to classes at Dominion High School every other school day where they take courses only in math and science. On other days, Academy students attend their home school, where they take courses in English, Social Studies, and other electives. The ten Loudoun County High Schools coordinate their schedules as well as they can to allow Academy students to take extra curricular classes, including music, physical education, etc. at the home school. Students who attend the Loudoun Academy of Science are not considered to be students solely at the Academy, like Jefferson HS, nor are they considered to be Dominion students, unless an Academy student lives in the Dominion HS attendance zone; they are still considered students at their home schools, based on their residences.
Academy students who are on athletic teams play for their home schools and their respective conferences.
| Loudoun County Public Schools High Schools Intermediate Schools Middle Schools Alternative/Magnet Programs |
