Academy students are required to earn 14 Exploration Credits total. Explorations focus on developing self-reliance, responsibility, a greater understanding of the importance of science and technology in our world, and career opportunities. Students are expected to complete their Explorations by the end of their sophomore year, and they must be completed before students are eligible for an internship. A letter jacket patch is awarded by the Academy when Explorations are completed.
Pre Approved Exploration Credit Opportunities
College Visits (maximum of 2 visits for credit)
Houston Zoo
Museum of Natural Science
Moody Gardens
NASA Johnson Space Center
Health Museum
University of Houston Architecture Center Walking Tours
State and National Parks
Distinguished Lecture Series
Distinguished Speaker Series by EfTA
If a student is interested in an opportunity that is not listed here, they can get pre-approval from the headmaster to receive credit. Approval must be received before the activity or it will not be eligible for credit consideration. Students must submit the Independent Exploration Credit Proposal.
To receive credit for an exploration event, students must submit the Exploration Credit Reflection Assignment in Canvas and submit the artifact to the ACES office. Do not email reports.