Academy of Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Science

Academy of Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Science
Location
650 East Highway 80 Abilene, Texas, Taylor, 79601 United States
Coordinates	32°27′00″N 99°42′49″W / 32.4501°N 99.7137°WCoordinates: 32°27′00″N 99°42′49″W / 32.4501°N 99.7137°W
Information
School type	High school
Established	2009
School district	Abilene Independent School District
Principal	John Martinez
Staff	26
Grades	9-12
Enrollment	360
Slogan	"Small School. Big Education."

The Academy of Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (ATEMS) is a STEM high school founded in 2009 located in Abilene, Texas.^[1] ATEMS is a part of the Abilene Independent School District. It is a new tech high school, which is a category of high schools that encourage the use of technology.^[2]All of the core classes offered are either at the AP level or college dual credit at other colleges around Abilene. The building ATEMS currently resides in is not owned by the academy nor the Abilene Independent School District, instead being owned and shared by the Texas State Technical College System.

There are many activities at ATEMS such as clubs including robotics, drama, photography, and computer science. ATEMS provides shuttles for students to travel to other high schools for activities ATEMS does not have at their school, such as band, orchestra, and football.^[3] ATEMS also participates in a "bring your own device" (BYOD) program, a policy which allows students to use their own technologies including iPods, iPads cellphones, or laptops during class.

Courses

Classes at ATEMS are different from other high schools in the regular sense. Due to its STEM status, the academy offers two distinct learning pathways for students - either Information Technology or Pre-Engineering. Both courses end with a yearlong senior capstone project culminating their skills in a showcase to the community. In addition, ATEMS offers two core class pathways, either Advanced Placement classes or college dual-credit with the technical colleges in Abilene.^[4]

Privileges

At ATEMS there are a number of special privileges students get, most of which need a trust card to have access to. A trust card is a special card unique to ATEMS, they are similar to an ID card and are held on the students lanyard. These privileges include: checking out laptops if you don't own one, the BYOD (Bring your own device) policy, allowing juniors and seniors to depart campus for lunch, and the ability to listen to music in class.

References

1. "ATEMS High School - Home". Abeline ISD. Abeline Independent School District. Retrieved 5 October 2012.
2. "Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math, and Science (ATEMS High School) | New Tech Network". New Tech Network. Knowledge Works.
3. "Academy for Technology Engineering Math & Science / Homepage". Abeline ISD. Abeline Independent School District. Retrieved 5 October 2012.
4. "ATEMS High School Website". Official Academy Website.