The Technology Academy at Landstown High School

 

The Technology Academy at Landstown High School opened as a school-within-a school in September 2001. It features a cutting-edge curriculum especially designed for students with a deep interest in and talent for technology. The innovative learning environment provides students the added advantage of combining academic and technical training that will prepare them for a variety of post-graduation choices.

Program of Study

Three major career strands – Information Technology, Pre-Engineering Technology, and Entrepreneurship Technology – comprise the program of study. In addition, all programs will have entry and exit points within the curriculum strands so that students have increased flexibility in career and college choices. For example, should a student decide to change from a concentration in Entrepreneurship Technology to one in Information Technology, this may be possible in the academic program with appropriate planning and guidance. A benefit of this flexibility is that a student is not locked into a program for the duration of his or her high school career should their interest change.  Students must be enrolled in an Academy elective at LHS each year.  Additionally, a minimum of three of these electives must be from one strand sequence to complete the Academy program of study.  Students who desire to dual or triple strand must be the same requirements for each strand they plan to complete.

Core Academy Curriculum

Students are required to be enrolled in an Academy elective at LHS each year in order to meet the Academy requirements.  They must successfully complete a minimum of three electives in one strand sequence during this time.  One of the four Academy electives may be from a different strand if the student has elected to change their focus of study during their enrollment in the program.

Entrepreneurship Technology

The courses in marketing education provide skills and knowledge needed for students furthering their education or considering careers in marketing and management. Marketing education courses include instruction in marketing, advertising, fashion and retail sales, customer service, and hotel management.

 

Sample Programs of Study


Information Technology

Information Technology
Information technology has an increasing presence in day-to-day life and the need for education to bridge the digital divide is more critical than ever. The Information Technology strand of Landstown Technology Academy helps meet this need by preparing high school students for successful careers in information technology. Students will gain an understanding of the connections that exist between their education and the workplace.

 

Sample Programs of Study


Pre-Engineering Technology

The Pre-Engineering Strand gives students an overview of engineering while allowing them to specialize in one of six areas:  Engineering, Technical Design, Physics of Technology, Production, Control Technology, and Communication Technology.  Each student will take at least one course in their strand area each year, with a requirement of three by the end of their Senior year, to meet the Academy requirements.  Each strand offers students a variety of courses that give an overview of concepts and topics within Engineering. Freshman entering the strand are encouraged to take one of the three entry level courses: Introduction to Engineering, Basic Technical Drawing, or Introduction to Electronics.  All of the courses within the Pre-Engineering strand allow students to gain 21st century skills utilizing hand-on activities and projects.

 

Sample Programs of Study

Student Organizations

Entrepreneurship Technology is supported by DECA.  DECA  is a co-curricular, student-centered organization designed as an integral part of the classroom instructional program of marketing education to provide activities that will motivate students to learn marketing competencies that will prepare students to become skilled, employable workers in the field of marketing.


Information Technology students are active members of Future Business Leaders of America. Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda is an educational association of student members preparing for careers in business and business related fields. FBLA-PBL provides innovative leadership development programs to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship.

 

Pre-engineering students are members of the Technology Students Association. The Technology Student Association gives members opportunities for leadership and personal growth in all areas of technology, innovation, design, and engineering. Through TSA's regional, state, and international competitions, members can challenge themselves in over sixty different categories in middle and high school. These competitions stress the importance of STEM concepts, leadership, and presentation skills.

Eligibility
The Technology Academy will enroll 100 ninth-graders each year. Students will be selected through an application process, which is open to any current eighth-grade student and select high school students citywide.
Admissions/Application Process

Students will be selected on the basis of their interest in and aptitude for technology, their school records, written essay, teacher recommendations, and parent information sheets. In addition, all applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability in the field of technology through an electronic portfolio.
All middle school students should submit all application material to their school guidance counselor. Applications for the 2012-2013 school year will be available from this link. The application deadline is February 1, 2012.

Download the Application

Admissions Policy
Students will be selected on the basis of their interest in and aptitude for technology, their school records, written essay, teacher recommendations, and parent information sheets. In addition, all applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability in the field of technology through an electronic portfolio that includes three of the following items:
  • multimedia presentation
  • collection of web pages
  • architectural design
  • a project proposal
  • logo design
  • electronic resume
  • newsletter
  • technical manual
  • database
  • brochure
  • complex machine design



Selection Committee
A selection committee comprised of educators, community members, and technology experts will review the applications of all qualified candidates. In making their selections, the committee will review and consider the following criteria:
  • teacher recommendation
  • achievement data
  • electronic portfolio
  • parent recommendation
  • student essay
Students will be ranked and the top scorers will be recommended for admission to the Landstown Technology Academy. Acceptance letters and letters of intent will be mailed on March 16, 2012. Letters of intent to attend the Academy must be returned to the Coordinator by April 6, 2012.

Important Technology Academy Dates
October 20, 2011 6-8:30 pm District Academy and Advanced Academic Programs Information night at the VB Convention Center
December 15, 2011 6:30 – 7:30 pm Technology Academy Live chat forum
January 5, 2012 6:30 – 8:30 pm Technology Academy Open House at Landstown High School for interested students

February 1, 2012 - completed applications due to current schools guidance department.

March 16, 2012 - notification letters mailed.

March 26-30, 2012 - shadowing.

April 6, 2012 - letters of intent due.

June 4, 2012 6:00-8:00 pm Technology Academy Senior Celebration ceremony for 2012 Technology Academy graduates only

Click here to download Timeline


Contact Information
R. Lisette Diehl, Technology Academy Coordinator
2001 Concert Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
rldiehl@vbschools.com or by phone at 757-648-5500, extension 85505
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