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AITE Overview & Concentrations

The Academy of Information Technology & Engineering (AITE) is an inter-district, college-preparatory magnet high school with a STEAM focus.  With high academic standards and rigorous graduation requirements, students take 4 credits of English, math, science, social studies, and world language.  Seniors are also required to complete a capstone project and submit documentation verifying a minimum of 50 hours of community service.  In addition to college preparatory academics requirements, students can choose electives from five areas of concentration, dual-credit college courses, and Virtual High School online courses.

Information Technologies Concentration


This concentration consists of courses that enable students to develop advanced computer skills to use in an IT related field or to use technology as a tool in a broad variety of other fields.  In addition to regular academic courses, students following this area of concentration will take required courses to expose them to the basics of computer systems and programs, and then follow with a series of professional level courses in their own areas of interest.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Concentration

Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides students of all ages with the academic, technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners. CTE encompasses a wide range of activities to provide students with skills demanded in the labor market while preparing them for post-secondary degrees. Activities include not only hands-on learning, specific career-oriented classes, but also internships and in-school programs designed to foster work readiness skills. Today’s rigorous and relevant CTE courses prepare students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand careers.

Architectural & Engineering Concentration

Students in the nationally renowned Project Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering program take specialized courses offered over four years where they engage in real-world challenges that help them become better critical thinkers, collaborators, communicators and problem solvers.  Students who successfully complete these courses may be eligible to earn college credit.  

Business Concentration

The courses in this concentration help students gain the skills, attitudes and competencies to be successful in post-secondary study, the workforce, and as adult consumers. Students will learn about various aspects of finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, accounting, and business technology. AITE’s business concentration aligns with our Vision of the Graduate profile as it helps students prepare to become responsible citizens of a global society, who are capable of making intelligent economic decisions that will benefit their personal and professional lives after graduation.

Cisco Networking Academy  

The courses in this program provide students with the skills needed to succeed in networking-related degree programs and help them prepare for CCNA certification.  (http://cisco.netacad.net)

Digital Arts – Music and Visual Concentration

Students who take courses in this concentration learn skills through hands-on projects, digital applications utilizing current music and graphic arts software, and traditional practices.  Students also are provided with opportunities to present their work to various audiences through performances and competitions.

Biomedical Sciences Concentration

Students in the Project Lead the Way Biomedical program take a sequence of four, full-year courses:  Principles of the Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems. Medical Interventions, and a capstone course entitled Biomedical Innovations.  These courses are weighted at the “Honors” level. Students also take 4 additional science courses concurrently and may elect to take additional science courses.  This is an exceptional program for students who are interested in exploring post-secondary options in the fields of health sciences or medicine.

Virtual High School

Online courses through Virtual High School are offered to juniors and seniors who have demonstrated the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.  This online platform helps to expand the course offerings at AITE.  Parents and students are required to sign a contract of expectations and course requirements.  For more information about this program students can contact their school counselor. For the complete catalog of courses offered by VHS, please visit vhslearning.org 

COLLEGE CREDIT

Students may take college-level courses offered by the University of Connecticut, University of Bridgeport, University of New Haven, and CT State Norwalk which provide dual enrollment credit (high school and college), and enable students to save money on college tuition.  Many of these courses are taught by AITE teachers on our campus.

CT State Norwalk/AITE College Credit Partnership 

Any AITE junior or senior with a “B” average may be eligible to take an CT State Norwalk course in any field during the fall or spring semesters through the High School Partnership (HSP) program. 

Students must be recommended by their school counselor and take the Accuplacer test in the preceding semester to determine eligibility. Students who are eligible for HSP pay no CT State Norwalk tuition. Interested students should contact their school counselor.

University of Connecticut’s Early College Experience (UConn ECE) 

The UConn ECE program provides academically motivated students with the opportunity to take university courses while in high school.  Students may earn college credit for each UConn ECE course taken. Successful completion of a UConn ECE course adds .07 weighted credit to a student’s rank and GPA. These challenging courses allow students to preview college work, build confidence in their readiness for college, and earn college credits that provide both an academic and a financial head-start on a college degree and other post-secondary opportunities. College credit is earned for a fraction of the cost it would be if the course were taken on a UConn campus.
 
UConn ECE courses are taught by high school teachers who become certified as adjunct professors by the University. UConn ECE faculty foster independent learning, creativity, and critical thinking – all important for success in college and careers.  UConn ECE courses are offered in English, Math, Social Studies, World Language, and Science. To support rigorous learning, University of Connecticut databases are available to all UConn ECE students. 

UConn credits are transferable to many colleges and universities. Students are charged a program fee of $50 per credit plus a resource fee of $20.  Thus, a 2-credit course will cost $100 and a 3-credit course will cost $150. For additional information, visit www.ece.uconn.edu.