from ARLnow:
County school leaders have announced growth plans for the Arlington Tech program, which will include a doubling of the student body by the 2029-30 school year.
At the same time, Arlington Public Schools confirmed Friday, Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. as the application deadline for county students interested in vying for spots at the Arlington Tech program — and other option schools and programs — to have their applications submitted.
County school leaders will use the opening of the new Grace Hopper Center in August to provide the additional space needed for expansion of the Arlington Tech program from 500 to 1,000 students in a four-year process.
According to school leaders:
“This expansion ensures that more students can access Arlington Tech, which blends rigorous academic instruction with innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways in STEM fields and emerging technologies, through project-based learning, dual-enrollment pathways towards an associate’s degree and year-long senior ‘capstone’ through internships with industry partners.”
APS leaders said the expansion comes at a critical time for preparing students for
high-demand careers in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, health sciences, architecture, digital media and related fields.
“Arlington Tech has a proven track record of helping students build the skills, credentials and confidence they need for college and the workforce,” said Michelle Van Lare, the program’s coordinator.
“Expanding access to this nationally recognized program ensures more of our students can take advantage of advanced coursework, authentic learning experiences and partnerships,” Van Lare said.
Many students in the program are able to earn associate’s degrees from Northern Virginia Community College while completing their high-school requirements.
During the current school year, the program enrolls 150 9th-graders, 125 10th-graders, 125 11th-graders and 94 12th-graders for a total of 494 students.
Plans to phase in additional students include:
- 2026-27: 250 9th-graders, 150 10th-graders, 125 11th-graders and 125 12th-graders
- 2027-28: 250 9th-graders, 250 10th-graders, 130 11th-graders and 125 12th-graders
- 2028-29: 250 students in 9th, 10th and 11th grades and 150 in 12th grade
- 2029-30: 250 students in all four grade levels
Rising high-school students of all grade levels except 12th grade are eligible to register for the admissions lottery. It will be conducted on Feb. 6.
Arlington Tech is designated the Governor’s STEM Academy.
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