Application for Class of 2029

ACES APPLICATION IS OPEN – CLICK HERE

The Academy for Careers in Engineering and Science (ACES) began its first full year of operation during the 2018-2019 school year on the Oak Ridge High School Ninth Grade Campus. As a result, students in the Graduating Class of 2029 have the opportunity to be part of the eighth class of the Academy for Careers in Engineering and Science (ACES). Along with the other two CISD Academies (The Academy of Science and Technology and the Academy for Science and Health Professions), the Academy for Careers in Engineering and Science offers a core curriculum of STEM courses, research and exploration opportunities, and internship options. However, as with the two other Academies, ACES has taken the opportunity to customize offerings beyond core requirements, and, thus, take on a unique culture of its own. Moreover, because of the alternating block schedule and unique offerings that exist at Oak Ridge High School, especially in relation to the engineering design program and Health Science Program, ACES will have the capacity to accept a class of 100 students. In addition, since students have the opportunity to enroll in eight courses per year on the block schedule, students should be able to meet Academy requirements and pursue other extracurricular interests.

While a STEM Academy Program may not be a good fit for every student, such programs do provide unique and rigorous learning experiences in a close knit school within a school environment. In my experience, students have the opportunity to develop strong connections to each other without becoming totally socially isolated. In essence, Academy students are isolated together for their Academy courses but have the opportunity to interact with other students in their humanities, language and elective courses. The model we utilize is supportive but not constraining.

Academy program requirements are designed to insure a high level of rigor based on the utilization of a college readiness model of instruction. This approach gradually shapes course work to resemble college level courses during students’ junior and senior years of instruction. As a result, the transition to collegiate study is less challenging for students. As we become established, universities and scholarship programs will readily recognize the preparedness of our students.

ACES offers extensive opportunities for specialization in mathematics, engineering, science and other related areas including medicine, business, law, robotics, health science and computer science. These course opportunities should foster interest in STEM study and help encourage students to explore and apply their interests and abilities in an enriched learning environment. In the end, the primary purpose of all of our CISD Academies, including ACES, is to maintain students in the STEM Pipeline to collegiate level STEM study.

ACES academic requirements are simple. Each year, Academy students must complete at least three academy courses. In each year, in actuality, most of these courses are required for graduation. In my experience, most Academy students take more than three academy courses their junior and senior years. Also, because of the extensive course offerings at Oak Ridge High School, we will be able to broaden our elective offerings for Academy credit in order to meet the needs of students on a more individualized basis. In addition, each year, Academy students must enroll in a research and problems course for local credit. This component can be fulfilled through participation in science fair, robotics, HOSA, computer science academic competitions, UIL academic competition, or other activities related to students’ interests. Also, over the four years of high school, students must complete 14 exploration (field trip, speakers, seminars, meetings, etc.) credits. Lastly, students must complete an internship in an area of career interest and accumulate at least 100 hours of community service.

All of these requirements and the CISD Academy Model represent research based approaches designed to foster interest in STEM study and maintain students in the STEM Pipeline. In addition, these efforts are similar to approaches utilized by most member STEM schools of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools of which all CISD STEM Academies are members.

If you are seeking a challenging and rigorous academic environment with a strong focus on STEM education in a small school environment within a larger school setting, then the Academy for Careers in Engineering and Science might be for you. In addition, we have a strong commitment to producing well rounded students who participate in a variety of extracurricular activities while pursuing a strong academic program. I hope students and parents alike will seriously consider making application to the Academy for Careers in Engineering and Science. I look forward to meeting you in the future. Please contact our Academy office with any additional questions or inquiries.

Deborah Shepard
ACES Headmaster