Loudoun Academy of Science

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Loudoun Academy of Science
School type	Magnet school
Established	2005
District	Loudoun County Public Schools
Grades	9-12
Faculty	10
Staff	4
Athletics	None
Director	George Wolfe
Location	21326 Augusta Drive Sterling, Virginia 20164
Information	703-444-7426
Website	Official Webpage

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, an area in unincorporated Loudoun County, Virginia, United States.

[edit] History and Structure

The Academy was established in 2005 as a magnet program of science and technology for Loudoun County students. The Academy opened to service students who previously attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in unincorporated Fairfax County, which is operated by the Fairfax County Public Schools. Thomas Jefferson still holds several slots reserved for Loudoun County residents.

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.