Advanced Technologies Academy
Advanced Technologies Academy 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.
As of 2017, A-TECH is ranked #1 in the state of Nevada and #287 nationally by US News and World Report.
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 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 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 : 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
- During the 2003-04 school year, Advanced Technologies Academy was recognized with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education, the highest award an American school can receive.
- A-TECH was named a School of Distinction—top Technology Excellence high school—by Intel in 2005.
- Advanced Technologies Academy was recognized with the Exemplary School Award from the Nevada Department of Education for the graduating classes of 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2010, and received the High Achieving School Award from the Nevada Department of Education for the graduating classes of 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006, and 2007.
- Magnet Schools of America recognized A-TECH as a School of Distinction in 2008.
- U.S. News & World Report selected A-TECH as a Silver Medal Winner of America's Best High Schools in 2008.
- A-TECH was recognized, for the second time, with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education on September 15, 2011.
- A-TECH was recognized, for the third time, with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education on September 26, 2019.
Notable visitors
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.
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 10th, 2018 to December 14th, 2018.
Notable faculty members
Notable A-TECH faculty have included:- Richard Knoeppel has received the following recognition:
- *Heart of Education award recipient, 2019
- *Named 2019 Nevada Teacher of the Year
- *Inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2019
- Mike Patterson, Milken Educator Award recipient in 2009
- John Snyder has received the following awards:
- *Business Week Magazine National Award for Innovating Teaching in 1988
- *Named Nevada Teacher of the year and Burger King State Teacher of the year in 1990
- *Milken Educator Award recipient in 1992
- *Named Tandy Technology Scholar in 1991
- *Inducted into the Clark County Excellence in Education Hall of Fame in 1992
- *Named a Christa McAuliffe Fellow in 1994 and 1998
- *Dolly Parton presented him with the Chasing Rainbows Award in 2003.
- *Inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2007
- Valarie Young, 2005 recipient of the Milken Educator Award