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About
the Academy
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Overview
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LOCATION:
The Academy of Science and Technology is housed at Oak
Ridge High School (ORHS) but functions academically
as a separate entity with mathematics, science, computer
science, and technology classes specially designed for
Academy students. Students take their other courses
within ORHS.
ELIGIBILITY: Only
students who reside or will reside in the Oak Ridge
HS or The Woodlands HS attendance zones may apply. All
Academy students are enrolled in and will graduate from
Oak Ridge High School. Students
must have completed algebra to enter the Academy as
freshmen.
TRANSPORTATION: Transportation
is provided to and from ORHS from pick-up points throughout
the ORHS and TWHS zones. Parents/guardians may have
to provide transportation to some of these points or
to ORHS. Juniors and seniors are allowed to drive and
park. Required Saturday, evening, classes, labs, and
trips and evening activities may also require parental
transportation.
TUITION: None
STUDENT COMMITMENT: Students
accepted into the Academy are expected to be responsible
for their learning, to strive for excellence, and to
exhibit exemplary behavior as members of an ethical
learning community.
STUDENT BODY: The Academy
formally began operations in September of 1987 with
a freshman class of 31 students. Of this group, 19 graduated
in 1991. There are currently 59 students in the class
of 2004, 57 in the class of 2005, 66 in the class of
2006, and 69 in the class of 2007. Although Academy
students historically rank among the best in CISD, the
Academy was not established to enhance grade point averages
or class rank, and is not a gifted/talented program.
Development of a unique knowledge base and strong research
and project skills are stressed.
CLASS SCHEDULING: Academy
classes are scheduled to follow the ORHS master schedule.
For 2003-2004 this will be a modified seven-period schedule
with blocked, alternating lunch-period classes. Academy
meetings are scheduled when needed and are used for
information, elections, class decisions, recognitions,
and planning. Additional time for laboratories, makeup,
and tutorials is scheduled before school, during lunch,
during tutorials, and after school as needed.
PARENT ORGANIZATION: The Parents
of the Academy of Science and Technology (P.A.S.T.)
is an IRS non-profit organization supporting the students
and teachers of the Academy. All Academy parents are
considered members; those that pay annual dues are voting
members.
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Mission
& Goals
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The mission of the CISD Academy of Science and Technology
is to prepare students having a strong interest in science,
technology, computers, and mathematics for success in
college and life. The Academy provides a challenging
and innovative program designed to develop student responsibility,
motivation, and commitment to learning within an ethical
learning community that emphasizes trust and cooperation.
Students who graduate from the Academy will be socially
responsible citizens who work to improve the world.
We commit that our vision, mission, and beliefs will
drive our decisions set in a context of continuous improvement.
The Academy is housed at Oak Ridge High School and enrolls
students in grades 9-12 from the South Montgomery County
CISD high school attendance zones. Students enroll at
Oak Ridge High School as their home campus and take
all their classes either in the Academy or in Oak Ridge.
The program requires a high commitment to academic excellence
from students. Those selected may earn as many as 34
or more credits during their four years of high school.
The primary goals of the Academy are:
- to develop an ethical learning community;
- to offer students specialized courses in
mathematics, science, and computer science;
- to provide a classroom environment that
is stimulating while rigorous and which maximizes
opportunity for all students to succeed;
- to develop positive self-concepts in students
through meeting individual and group challenges;
- to support students as they conduct research
and participate in science fairs and other
competitions in science, mathematics, technology,
and computer science;
- to explore the wide range of opportunities
in science and technology by means of Saturday
and vacation trips and classes;
- to provide hands-on experience in science
and technology by means of an internship program;
- to involve parents and area universities,
business, and industry in support of our program
and students.
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Beliefs
Our beliefs are statements of our fundamental convictions,
our values, and our character as an organization.
We believe that:
- The Academy is a learning community - we
are all responsible.
- We share a commitment to ethics and success.
- Success depends on cooperation and teamwork.
- All students have unique abilities and are
capable of ethical behavior.
- Growth can result from failure as well as
success.
- We benefit from diversity.
- Trust creates a productive and safe learning
and working environment.
- Students benefit from diverse experiences.
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