Advanced Technologies Academy

Advanced Technologies Academy (A-TECH) is a magnet public high school in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It focuses 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. The magnet school focuses on computer and technology related study fields.

Advanced Technologies Academy
Address
1411 Robin Street

Las Vegas, Nevada 89106
United States
Information
TypeMagnet public high school
MottoAcademics Plus Technology
Established1994
PrincipalJonathan Synold
Faculty54.00 (on FTE basis)[1]
Grades9-12
Enrollment1,165 (2018-19)[1]
Student to teacher ratio21.57[1]
CampusSmall (12.8 acres/ 0.626 miles2)
Color(s)Teal and purple
MascotMaverick
RivalsNorthwest CTA and Veteran's Tribute
Websiteatech.org

As of 2017, A-TECH is ranked #1 in the state of Nevada and #287 nationally by US News and World Report.[2]

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 had been held between A-TECH and Las Vegas Academy (another local magnet school with no sports teams) since the school's opening, though have been discontinued since 2008. Games of flag football and soccer are held annually between A-TECH and Northwest Career and Technical Academy, a magnet school that was opened in 2008.

The gymnasium building began construction during the 1998-1999 school year, and opened in 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 were 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 seven areas of study:

  • Architectural Design: Students in Architectural Design are introduced to the principles of architectural drawing, design, and introductory civil engineering concepts using two and three-dimensional drawing techniques, rendering, and animation to prepare for jobs in architecture and engineering. Areas of concentration include building codes, construction methods and materials, climate, energy efficiency, sustainability, green building concepts, presentation skills and portfolio development. Students test their skills through project based learning activities and participation in local and national design contests. Upon successful completion of this program, students will have acquired entry-level skills for employment in this field.
  • Computer Science: In Computer Science, students focus on programming in C++ and Java. The programing experience is enhanced by the use of IDEs such as CodeBlocks, BlueJ, and InteliJ. It also incorporates the 21st Century Curriculum and prepares students to move forward in their chosen field whether it is software development, game development, app development, or any other field. Students are further prepared through their development of workplace readiness skills and employability skills for career readiness. Students have opportunities to participate in internships, hackathons, student led workshops, and the Hour of Code.
  • Cybersecurity (Fall 2020): Cybersecurity focuses on ways to minimize the risks of cyber theft and terrorist attaches on e-commerce, global trade, and digital communication channels. Students learn to monitor, mitigate, and prevent online threats. Students participate in hands-on learning activities, simulations, and competitions designed to prepare them for a career in cybersecurity. They leave with knowledge and skills in computer maintenance and repair, the cybersecurity life cycle, incident handling and networking. Students are prepared to take certification exams for CompTIA’s A+ and Networking +, the gateway certification for careers in IT and Cybersecurity.
  • Engineering: Engineering students engage in open-ended problem solving, learn and apply the engineering design process, and use the same technology and software as are used in the industry. Students are immersed in design as they investigate topics such as 3D modeling, machine design and control, forces, structures, basic electronics and circuit design, manufacturing, and teamwork, beginning post-secondary education, or careers.
  • Graphic Design: Students focus on the professional areas of graphic design, computer art, and video. They develop skills in the areas of drawing, digital and visual communications, design critiquing, portfolio development, and presentations. Projects, design competitions, and internships allow students to apply their skills at professional levels.
  • High School of Business: Students are prepared with the principles and operations of business and management found in today’s technologically advanced economy. The curriculum prepares students for customer relationships and multiple forms of management associated with business. Economics, finance, operations, and professional development are emphasized throughout the program. The appropriate use of technology and industry-related equipment is an integral part of the program.
  • Information Technologies: In Networking Technology, students develop the skills necessary to support microcomputers with various platforms and to administer network systems. Students are taught the fundamentals of Local Area Network design and the responsibilities of system administrators. Students prepare for the Cisco CCNA, and A+ Certification.

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.[13]

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.[14]

The school has also been visited by Louis Castle, cofounder of Westwood Studios.

In recognition to the school's recent nomination as one of the top five magnet schools in the United States, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush visited the school in 2014.

Former President Bill Clinton spoke at the school on January 21, 2016 to bolster support in Nevada for his wife, Hillary Clinton, who was angling for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Olympic gold medalist Connor Fields spoke at the school's public speaking class during the week of December 10, 2018 to December 14, 2018.

Notable faculty members

Notable A-TECH faculty have included:

References
  1. "Advanced Technologies Academy". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  2. US News and World Report
  3. "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."
  4. U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools Program: Schools Recognized 2003 through 2006 (PDF), United States Department of Education. Accessed May 11, 2006.
  5. CIBA cited as one of the best by Education Department Archived 2007-08-19 at the Wayback Machine, 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."
  6. 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."
  7. Technology Excellence: Advanced Technologies Academy, Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction Awards. Accessed November 6, 2007.
  8. Advanced Technologies Academy Official Website. Accessed March 9, 2008.
  9. Magnet Schools of America, Schools of Distinction. Accessed 2008. Archived March 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  10. U.S. News & World Report 2008 Best High Schools. Accessed 2008.
  11. Advanced Technologies Academy achieves Blue Ribbon status again, Las Vegas Review-Journal. Accessed October 20, 2011.
  12. . Accessed September 26, 2019.
  13. "O.K., Schools Are Wired. Now What?". Kairos.technorhetoric.net. 2000-01-07. Retrieved 2013-10-25.
  14. "Mrs. Bush's Remarks at Media Availability in Las Vegas". Georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov. Retrieved 2013-10-25.
  15. Michor, Max (April 26, 2019). "Former first lady praises CCSD teachers at Heart of Education awards". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  16. Pak-Harvey, Amelia (October 29, 2018). "Las Vegas architecture instructor is Nevada Teacher of the Year". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  17. Pak-Harvey, Amelia (March 20, 2019). "Las Vegas instructor lands National Teachers Hall of Fame honor". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  18. "Inductees". National Teachers Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on July 23, 2016. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  19. "Richard Knoeppel". National Teachers Hall of Fame. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  20. "Clark Milken Educator". Mff.org. Retrieved 2013-10-25.
  23. "John Snyder". National Teachers Hall of Fame. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  24. Clark County School District Achievements Archived August 7, 2007, at the Wayback Machine

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