Advanced Technologies Academy

Advanced Technologies Academy
Academics Plus Technology
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada
Information
Type Magnet public high school
Established 1994
Principal Karen Diamond
Faculty 60.0 (on FTE basis)[1]
Grades 9-12
Enrollment 1,026 (as of 2007-08)[1]
Student to teacher ratio 17.2[1]
Campus Small
Color(s) Teal and purple
Nickname ATECH
Website

Advanced Technologies Academy (A-TECH, ATA, ATECH) is a magnet public high school in Las Vegas, Nevada with a focus on integrating technology with academics for students in grades 9-12. The magnet school program was founded in 1994 and is part of the Clark County School District. The first year included only 9th and 10th grade, adding a grade each year. The first graduating class was 1997, and the first graduating class with all four years of attendance was 1998. As of the 2005-06 school year, the school had an enrollment of 1,022 students and 60 classroom teachers, on a FTE basis, for a student-teacher ratio of 17.2.[1] The magnet school focuses on computer and technology related study fields.

Contents

Historical events

Unlike traditional high schools, A-TECH has no team sports. Students wishing to play team sports participate at their zoned high school. Games of flag football and basketball have been held between A-TECH and Las Vegas Academy (another local magnet school with no sports teams) since the school's opening.

The gymnasium building began construction during the 1998-1999 school year, and opened in the year 2000.

Efforts to increase the student population at the school began in the early 2000s. Construction of the school's east wing (including additional classrooms, offices, and a lecture hall) and expansion of the existing cafeteria began in 2002, and was completed in time for the start of the 2003-2004 school year. The expansion increased enrollment from approximately 750 students to just over 1000.

Fields of study

A-TECH currently provides eight areas of study:

Awards and recognition

Notable visitors

Since its opening in 1994, A-TECH has received several notable visitors. In 1996, Al Gore visited A-TECH to spotlight it as an example of how computer technology can enhance education.[11]

After receiving the Blue Ribbon School award, Laura Bush visited the school in 2004 and had a round table discussion with many members of the staff and student body.[12]

Notable faculty members

Some of the awards given to A-TECH faculty include:

References

  1. ^ a b c d Advanced Technologies Academy, National Center for Education Statistics Accessed May 27, 2008.
  2. ^ "BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL Academy recognized by education secretary", Las Vegas Review-Journal, September 17, 2003. Accessed November 6, 2007. " The Advanced Technologies Academy was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School on Tuesday by U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige. The Clark County School District magnet high school is one of 220 outstanding schools to receive national recognition for efforts to raise student achievement. It is the only Nevada school to receive the award."
  3. ^ U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools Program: Schools Recognized 2003 through 2006 (PDF), United States Department of Education. Accessed May 11, 2006.
  4. ^ CIBA cited as one of the best by Education Department, Journal Inquirer, November 16, 2006. "The Blue Ribbon award is given only to schools that reach the top 10 percent of their state's testing scores over several years or show significant gains in student achievement. It is considered the highest honor a school can achieve."
  5. ^ Viers Mill School Wins Blue Ribbon; School Scored High on Statewide Test; The Washington Post. September 29, 2005 "For their accomplishments, all three schools this month earned the status of Blue Ribbon School, the highest honor the U.S. Education Department can bestow upon a school."
  6. ^ Technology Excellence: Advanced Technologies Academy, Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction Awards. Accessed November 6, 2007.
  7. ^ Advanced Technologies Academy Official Website. Accessed March 9, 2008.
  8. ^ Magnet Schools of America, Schools of Distinction. Accessed 2008.
  9. ^ U.S. News & World Report 2008 Best High Schools. Accessed 2008.
  10. ^ Advanced Technologies Academy achieves Blue Ribbon status again, Las Vegas Review-Journal. Accessed October 20, 2011.
  11. ^ O.K., Schools Are Wired. Now What?
  12. ^ Mrs. Bush's Remarks at Media Availability in Las Vegas
  13. ^ National Teachers Hall of Fame
  14. ^ Clark County School District Achievements

External links