Academy of Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Science


The Academy of Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Science is a STEM high school founded in 2009 located in Abilene, Texas. ATEMS is a part of the Abilene Independent School District. ATEMS is housed in premises owned by the Texas State Technical College System.

History

ATEMS was originally a New Technology High School, at which all core classes were either at the AP level or college dual credit at other colleges around Abilene. ATEMS still encourages technology, but has now introduced academic classes.

Academics

ATEMS offers two STEM curricula: Information Technology and Engineering. ATEMS offers both Advanced Placement or college dual-credit classes with the technical colleges in Abilene. ATEMS also offers AP Dual Credit hybrid courses, allowing students to still receive the benefit of a ten-point addition to their GPA and the ability to take the AP tests, as well receive college credit should they score a 3 or higher on the AP test. These hybrid classes are free. Both courses culminate in a year-long senior capstone project that includes a skills demonstration to the community.
ATEMS is ranked 179th in Texas in the 2016 Newsweek high school rankings In 2017, ATEMS was one of only 77 high schools in the state to achieve all seven qualifications standards of the Texas Education Agency.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities at ATEMS include robotics, photography, and yearbook. ATEMS provides shuttles for students to travel to other high schools for some of the activities not available at the school, such as band, orchestra, and football. ATEMS also participates in a "bring your own device" program which allows students to use their own technologies including iPods, iPads, cell phones, or laptops, during class, with teacher permission.

Privileges

ATEMS grants students special privileges which are exercised with a trust card. The ATEMS trust card is similar to an ID card on a lanyard. Privileges include: checking out school laptops if you don't own one, access to the BYOD policy, the allowance of juniors and seniors to depart campus for lunch, and the ability to listen to music in class.