Academies of LoudounA STEM center for innovation, exploration, research, and collaboration
Admissions Information – Winter cycleDecember 11 Independence HS 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
January 7 Woodgrove HS 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
January 16 Park View HS 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
*January 25 Broad Run HS 10:00 am – 11:00 am
February 6 Potomac Fall HS 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
February 13 Briar Woods HS 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
*Saturday morning session
“What you know is far less important than what you can do with what you know”, Tony Wagner
The mission of the Academies of Loudoun is to empower students to explore, research, collaborate, innovate, and to make meaningful contributions to the world in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
• Academy of Engineering & Technology (AET)
• Academy of Science (AOS)
• Monroe Advanced Technical Academy (MATA)
General Information
• All Academy students are concurrently enrolled as full-time students in Loudoun County Public Schools, attending the Academies of Loudoun and their home high school on alternating days
• Transportation is provided by LCPS to the Academies of Loudoun (LCPS Transportation Office)
• Students admitted to Advanced AET or MATA will be required to work very closely with home HS counselors and Academies counselors to schedule remaining graduation requirements for their home school schedule, this might include making use of Virtual Loudoun options
Academies of Loudoun Schedule
Advanced AET (for 11th & 12th grades )
• B Day schedule
MATA
•A or B Day, varies by pathway
School Hours 9:15 -3:15
Academy of Engineering &
Technology (Advanced AET)
Advanced AET is 1 program, 2 pathways
•Engineering
•Information Technology
Students in the AET will develop their creative and enterprising capacities, engage in engineering and research, and have the opportunity to pursue a rich, well-rounded high school experience.
Advanced AET is a 2-year program commitment (11th & 12th grade)
Advanced AET Pathways
When applying, applicants will select ONE of the following:
AET EngineeringDesigned for students who wish to engage in an intensive study of engineering, including the engineering design process. All AET Engineering students will be required to complete multiple design challenge projects while attending the AET.
AET Information Technology (IT)Designed for students who wish to engage in an intensive study of computer science and information technologies. All AET IT students will be required to design, develop and conduct multiple CS research projects while attending the AET.
2020 Admission
Criteria Advanced
AET
• Currently enrolled in Math Analysis
• Successful completion of 2 science credits by the end of 10th grade (Research Earth Science and/or Research Biology and/or Research Chemistry are recommended)
• Final grade of C or above in each course in grade 9 and grade of C or above in each course for Semester I of grade 10
• PSAT scores (NMSQT)
• Writing Assessment Score
Advanced AET for 11th &
12th graders
Advanced AET Information Technology
11th Grade 12th Grade
Discipline Course * Discipline Course *
Math AET AP Calculus AB or BC Math AET AP Statistics orAP Calculus BC or Multivariable Calculus
SCI AET Physics SCI AET AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
CTE AET Information Technology and Computer Science (CTE credit)
SCI AET AP Advanced Computer Science
Advanced AET Engineering
11th Grade 12th Grade
Discipline Course * Discipline Course *
Math AET AP Calculus AB or BC Math AET AP Statistics orAP Calculus BC or Multivariable Calculus
SCI AET Physics SCI AET AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
CTE AET Engineering Studies I CTE AET Engineering Studies II
* All AET courses are honors level courses and are “weighted” by adding 0.5 to the point value for the grade. AET AP and dual enrollment courses are weighted at 1.0
Applicants will need to meet all admissions criteria
Monroe Advanced Technical Academy (MATA) strives to provide significant and relevant learning in Career & Technical Education (CTE) which allows students to explore and innovate while preparing for 21st century college and careers.A Virginia Governor's Career and Technical STEM AcademyMATA offers 27 career-preparation pathways:
1-year pathway options
Administration of Justice
Auto Collision Repair
Biotechnology
Building Construction
CISCO
Culinary Arts
Cybersecurity DE
Emergency Medical Technician
Environmental Plant Science DE
Firefighter
Health Informatics
Introduction to Health & Medical Science DE (10th grade only)
HVAC
Masonry
TV Production & Digital Moviemaking
Veterinary Science
2-year pathway options
Auto Service Technology
Biomedical Technology
Computer & Digital Animation
Computer Integrated Engineering & Design DE
Cosmetology
Graphic Communications
Medical Laboratory Technology DE
Pharmacy Technology DE
Practical Nursing
Radiology Technology DE
Welding DE
Monroe Advanced Technical Academy (MATA)
*Additional requirements for MATA Dual Enrollment (DE) and Practical Nursing Pathways
1-year pathway options
The following pathways require a 1-year commitment
Administration of Justice
This pathway leads to an understanding and application of principals and policies in the fields of criminal justice, political science, and law.
Certifications: •OSHA 10 General Industry Certification
Careers: Local and state law enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Secret Service, US Marshal Service, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS), US Postal Inspection (USPI), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), research analysts, paralegals, attorneys, pre-trial services, probation and corrections.
Auto Collision Repair
This pathway leads to an understanding and application of techniques in the field of collision repair by studying the use of shop materials, equipment, tools, procedures, and manuals in the auto body and auto refinishing fields.
Certifications: •Multiple SP-2 Safety Certification(2 required)
•Inter-industry Conference on Collision Repair Certification (I-CAR)
•Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification(2 required/4 available)
Careers: Auto Collision Repair Technician; Automotive Refinishing Technician; Automotive Parts Specialist; Detail Technician; Estimator; Shop Owner; Shop Supervisor; Insurance Adjuster.
Biotechnology
This pathway leads to exploration of biotechnology, the use of living organisms or their products to modify human health and the human environment, as it relates to research, bioethics, forensics, health and medical fields, agriculture, and environmental management.
Certifications: •CTECS Workplace Readiness
Careers: Biostatistician; Biotech Engineer; Biochemist; Bioinformatics; Biomedical Engineer; Cell Biologist; Genetic Engineer; Microbiologist; Molecular Biologist; Technical Writer; Research and Development; Plant Breeder; Lab Assistant; Biotech Marketing and Sales; Lawyer; Bioengineer; Epidemiologist; Forest Biotechnologist; Bioinformatician; Bio Pharmacist; Medical Lab Technician.
Building Construction
This pathway leads to an in-depth understanding of residential construction and the carpentry trade. As part of the “House Project Team” skills are applied in the construction of a residential home overseen by the Loudoun Career & Technical Education Foundation Board.
Certifications: •OSHA 10 Certification
Careers: General contractor, Architect, Engineer, Electrical contractor; Environmental Engineer; Landscaping Contractor; Concrete Laborers; Equipment Operator; Iron Worker; Site Manager; Construction Coordinator; Surveyor.
CISCOThis pathway leads to an understanding of design, installation, configuration, operation, and troubleshooting simple and complex networks while studying network architecture, industry standards, communication protocols, and cabling.
Certifications: •CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
•OSHA 10 Certification
Careers: Network Administrator; Network (Systems) Engineer; Network (Service) Technician; Network Programmer/Analyst; Network/Information Systems Manager.
Culinary ArtsThis pathway leads to understanding and preparation for post-secondary training in the fast-growing culinary industry such as culinary arts, baking and pastry, and/or restaurant management.
Certifications: •National Restaurant Association ProStart Certificate
•OSHA 5 Certification
Careers: Head Chef; Sous Chef; Pastry Chef; Baker; Food Critic; Food Stylist; Restaurant Owner; Prep Cook; Line Cook.
Cybersecurity
This pathway leads to an understanding of installation, configuration, and security of various operating systems. Students will use system tools and diagnostic software to develop skills in computer networking and resource sharing. In addition, students will explore the relationships between internal and external computer components.
Certifications : • CompTIA A+ • CompTIA Network• CompTIA Security
Careers: Security Analyst, Security Engineer, Security Architect, Security Administrator, Security Software Developer, Cryptographer, Cryptanalyst, Security Consultant.
Emergency Medical
Technician (EMT)
This pathway leads to the knowledge, skills, and abilities to function independently in an emergency and serve as a vital link in the chain of the health care team.
Certifications: •HazMat Awareness Certification
•National Registry of EMTs Certification
•Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Careers: Emergency Medical Technician; Flight Paramedic; Paramedic.
Environmental Plant Science
This pathway leads to an understanding of natural resource management and conservation, forestry, plant physiology, landscaping, and floral design.
Certifications: •Certified Horticulturist
•Certified Greenhouse Operator
•Certified Pesticide Technician
Careers: Botanic Garden and Arboretum Specialist; Crop Production Consultants; Entomologists; Farm Managers; Floriculturist; Greenhouse Management; Nursery /Landscape Managers; Plant Pathologists; Plant Propagator; Sports Turf Managers; Forester; Park Ranger, Arborist; Agriculture Education Teacher; Extension Specialist; Soil Scientist; Agronomist.
FirefighterThis pathway leads to an understanding and application of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs curriculum in a combination of classroom study, scenarios, and live fire training to carry out most fire ground functions under the direct supervision of an officer or experienced firefighter.
Certifications: •Firefighter Level I
•Firefighter Level II
•HazMat Operations
Careers: Battalion Chief; Lieutenant; Captain; Firefighter/EMT; Fire Inspector; Fire Investigator; Forest Fire Prevention Specialist.
Health InformaticsTechnology
This pathway leads to an exploration of the aspects of Health Informatics including, but not limited to, the history of health information technology (IT), the Electronic Health Record (EHR), ethical and privacy issues, and cybersecurity and data breaches.
Certifications: •Electronic Health Record Certification
Careers: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians; Medical Receptionist; Medical Secretary
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
(HVAC)
This pathway leads to basic knowledge and skills in residential and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating. As part of the “House Project Team”, skills are applied in the construction of a residential home overseen by the Loudoun Career & Technical Education Foundation Board.
Certifications: •OSHA 10 Certification
•Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification Exam
•Universal R-410 A Certification Exam
•National Construction Career Test (NCCT)
Careers; Blueprint Creation/Reading; Energy Auditor; Dispatcher/Coordinator; Estimator; Field Technical Specialist; HVAC Equipment Dealer; Scheduler; Sheet Metal Fabrication.
Introduction to Health &
Medical Science
This pathway leads to an exploration of the vast array of career options available in the medical field while learning basic medical skills, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology necessary to function safely and efficiently within the medical community.
Certifications: •Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
•First Aid Certification
•CareerSafe Healthcare Industry 10-hour certification
Careers: Doctor; Dentist; Physician’s Assistant; Occupational Therapist; Physical Therapist; Health Administration; Medical Coder; Phlebotomist; Geneticist; and all careers related to those listed under Practical Nursing; Radiology.
*This pathway option available for 10th grade students only (apply during 9th grade year)
MasonryThis pathway leads to the development of skills and technical knowledge to lay concrete, block, brick, and ceramic tile. As part of the “House Project Team”, students apply these skills in the construction of a residential home overseen by the Loudoun Career & Technical Education Foundation Board.
Certifications: •OHSA 10 Certification
•CTECS Workplace Readiness
Careers: Brickmason; Stonemason; Blockmason; Concrete Finisher
TV Production & Digital
Moviemaking
This pathway leads to an understanding of camera operation, news reporting, editing and scriptwriting, production planning techniques, and the business of video production and marketing.
Certifications: •NOCTI Television Production
Careers: Digital Film Producer; Cameraman; Multimedia Artist and Animator; Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician; Cinematographer; Editor; Scriptwriter; News Reporter; Director.
Veterinary Science
This pathway leads to an understanding and application of medical terminology, animal anatomy and physiology, safety and sanitation, nutrition, breeds, and emerging technologies in animal agriculture.
Certifications: •FAA Greenhand Degree
•OSHA Agriculture
•IDEXX Certifications
Careers: Veterinary Lab Technician; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary Technician; Zoologist; Animal Control Officer; Animal Trainer; Animal Geneticist; Wildlife Biologist; Fish and Game Warden; Marine Biologist; Zookeeper; Zoo Veterinary Technician.
2-year pathway options
The following pathways require a 2-year commitment
Auto Service Technology
This pathway leads to an understanding and development of the skills needed to follow environmental and safety practices and inspect, diagnose, adjust, and repair the systems of the modern technological automobile.
Certifications: •Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certifications
•SP-2 Safety Certification
Careers: Auto Servicing Technician; Mechanic; Small Engine Mechanics; Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics; Vehicle Maintenance Manager; Shop Owner; Shop Supervisor; Auto Repair Estimator.
Biomedical Technology
This pathway leads to an understanding and application of various Biomedical techniques ranging from Bioprocessing and DNA analysis to biomechanical systems, and the environment. Students are introduced to laboratory procedures while investigating safety, quality assurance, and ethical concerns associated with the field of biomedical technology.
Certifications: •CTECS Workplace Readiness
Careers: Biomedical Engineering; Medical Scientist (except Epidemiologists)
Computer & Digital
Animation
This pathway leads to an understanding and production of computer-generated models, characters, and animations using high-end software including the production pipeline from story idea to final render.
Certifications: •AutoDesk 3dsMax Certified User
Careers: Production Designer; Visual Effects Supervisor; Photographer; Concept Artist; Storyboard Supervisor; Modeler; Texture Artist/Texture Painter; Layout Artists; Animator; 3D Tracker/Match Mover; Digital Painter; Lighting Supervisor.
Computer Integrated
Engineering & Design (CIED)
This pathway leads to a foundation of skills needed for manufacturing and engineering in today’s high tech workplace. This course focuses on hands-on, task-based activities where students learn and practice industrial skills. Students are introduced to multiple cutting-edge engineering and design platforms, i.e. SolidWorks, Mastercam and CNC programming.
Certifications: •OSHA 10 Certification
Careers: Architect; Civil Engineer; Electrical Engineer; CAD Engineer; Quality Assurance Engineer; Materials Engineer; Computer Robotic Programmer; Systems Analyst.
Cosmetology This pathway leads to the skills necessary to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to obtain licensure as a professional cosmetologist by performing facial, hair, and nail services expected in a working salon environment.
Certifications: •State Board of Cosmetology Licensing Exam
Careers: Hair Stylist; Special Effects Make-up Artist; Make-up Artist; Salon Owner; Colorist; Image Consultant; Salon Manager; Editorial/Session Stylist; Photo Session Stylist; Runway Stylist; Product Sales Representative; Cosmetology Educator; Textbook Editor.
Graphic Communications
This pathway leads to the ability to collaborate in teams to design digital projects from concept to published products. Students learn to establish and run a creative design firm by working directly with clients, forecasting budgets, and meeting real world working deadlines.
Certifications: •PrintEd Certifications (Introduction to Graphics Communication, Advertising Design, Digital File Preparation, and Digital Printing)
•OSHA 10 Certification
•OSHA 5 Certification
Careers: Graphic Designer; Illustrator; Webmaster/Designer; Print Buyer; Production Manager; Photographer; Electronic Prepress Technician; Desktop Digital Operator; Bindery/Finishing Operator; Art Director; Packaging Designer and Marketing.
Practical Nursing
This pathway prepares students through classroom and clinical instruction and experiences to sit for the Virginia Board of Nursing National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Certifications: •American Heart Association First Aid Certification
•Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
•Certified Nurse Aide Exam
•NCLEX-PN licensing exam
Careers: Certified Nursing Assistant; Licensed Practical Nurse; Home Health Aide.
This pathway is only open to 12th grade students
(apply during 11th grade year and finish post grad)
Medical Laboratory Technology
This pathway leads to foundational knowledge and skills in the areas of hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, phlebotomy, urinalysis, and immunology.
Certifications: •NOCTI Diagnostic Services Pathway
Careers: Medical Laboratory Technician; Clinical Scientist; Medical Laboratory Scientist.
Pharmacy Technology This pathway provides the preparation necessary to become a
nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician who assists pharmacists in a professional retail, hospital, or institutional settings. This program is a pathway to becoming a Pharmacist.
Certifications: •Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT)
•Exam for Certified Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT)
Careers: Pharmaceutical Science/Industry; Toxicologist; Pharmacy Technician; Bioinformatics; Genomics; Nuclear Pharmacist.
Radiology Technology
This pathway leads to an understanding of careers in medical imaging, i.e. radiographer and other integral members of the health care team. Students will receive a strong foundation in anatomy and medical terminology.
Certifications: •NOCTI Diagnostic Services Pathway
Careers: Radiographers; Magnetic Resonance Technologists; Nuclear Medicine Technologists; Sonographers; Radiation Therapists.
WeldingThis pathway leads to the understanding and application of safety operations in Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Flux Cored Arc Welding, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding in all positions, plate and pipe.
Certifications: •OSHA 10 Certification
•American Welding Society (AWS) Limited and Unlimited Welding Thickness Plate Test
•AWS SG & GG Pipe Certification
Careers: Welding Technician; Plumber; Pipefitter; Steamfitter; Welding Inspector; Sheet Metal Worker; Metal Fabricator; Materials Engineer.
Admission Criteria
Admissions Criteria & Application Process
MATA Admissions
Criteria
• Resume (upload in admissions portal)• The resume must include:
• Full name and LCPS student ID• All experiences or interests relevant to pathway choices in application
• Career Goal Statement (500 word max – upload in admissions portal)
• Algebra I SOL score• PSAT score (NMSQT)**• Review of Academic Record• Verification of on-time graduation requirements• Counselor recommendation (automated process through
admissions portal for LCPS students)
*Additional requirements for MATA dual-enrollment program pathways **Applicants without a PSAT score report may submit an SAT, an ACT, or a VPT score report as a substitute. Results must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to February 19th, 2020.
MATA Practical Nursing
Admissions Criteria
•Final grade of C or better in Chemistry
•Final grade of C or better in Biology
•Resume (upload in admissions portal)• The resume must include:
• Full name and LCPS student ID• All experiences or interests relevant to nursing or healthcare
•Career Goal Statement (500 word max – upload in admissions portal)
•Algebra I SOL score
•PSAT score (NMSQT)**
•Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
•Review of Academic Record
•Verification of on-time graduation requirements
•Counselor recommendation
•3 personal recommendations (Download Recommendation Form on website)
•Panel Interview (finalists only)
**Applicants without a PSAT score report may submit an SAT or an ACT score report as a substitute. Results must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to February 19th, 2020.
Highly Competitive Admissions Process
•Applicants undergo a comprehensive, multi-tiered evaluation process that assesses their ability to meet the rigors of a demanding, advanced academic curriculum and the potential to be effective contributors to the program’s unique curricular experiences.
•There are a limited number of seats available each year, and each admissions cycle has a unique applicant pool.
•The admissions panel does not use applicant gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, special education status, or English learner status at any point during the admissions process.
Private and Home School
applicants
• All private and home school applicants will access the application portal through the website
• Specific instructions are on the admissions portal (to pre-register in ParentVue in order to generate an LCPS student ID)
• All application documentation materials must be submitted by 12pm noon on February 19, 2020, to:
Academies of Loudoun Admissions Office42075 Loudoun Academy Dr.
Leesburg, VA 20175
Academies of Loudoun
Winter Admissions
Timeline
December 10, 2019 – winter admissions window opens for Academies of Loudoun winter 2020 admissions (for Advanced AET and MATA programs) through Academies of Loudoun website https://www.lcps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=154616
February 19, 2020 - Winter admissions window closes at 12pm noon. $35 application fee must be paid before application is complete.
February 22, 2019 - Advanced AET Admissions Assessment (writing prompt and interest statement)
February 22, 2019 - MATA Practical Nursing Admissions Assessment (Test of Essential Academic Skills - TEAS)
March 2020 – Admission offers will be posted in admissions portal
March/May 2020 - Students must accept or decline all admissions offers by logging into the portal.
How to apply
Questions? FAQ page on website
Please email all admissions inquiries to [email protected]
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