Education Philosophy

 

We use a pre-apprentice model as the basis of our educational philosophy. That model combines classroom training with on-the-job training, offers skill training from working professionals, provides students with quality internship opportunities, and offers ongoing mentoring and guidance. This model is expressed throughout our curriculum and planning, as it enables our students to explore a wide array of architecture, construction, and engineering (ACE) career options. Students also have access to an array of after-school programs designed to provide a substantial hands-on learning experience across the ACE disciplines.

We interweave these pre-apprentice components into our Academic Blueprint– a course selection and programming guide driven by student interest.  Critical to this process are Concentrations in the ACE disciplines which are comparable to a “major” area of study. Preparation for one’s chosen Concentration begins in grades 9 – 10.  During these formative years, students complete math and science courses which prepare them for the rigors of 11th and 12th grade Concentration study. These courses allow students to meet State of Illinois learning standards, explore a variety of ACE disciplines, determine their individual aptitudes, and subsequently select an ACE Concentration for study.

Official Concentration work begins in a student’s 11th grade year. In addition to completing required courses, students also study a sequence of unique courses which introduces them to their Concentration. Specific focus is given to each Concentration’s technical, managerial, and professional scope. Through this integrated learning model, students become better prepared to pursue advanced studies or work within their chosen Concentration after high school graduation.

 

Quick Education Links:

 

Detailed Course Listing

 

Architecture, Design & Trades

 

After-School Program

 

College & Career Services

 

Dean of Students

 

Director of Education

 

Language Arts

 

Mathematics

 

Physical Education

 

Science

 

Social Science

 

Social Work

 

Special Education

 

 

Curriculum Summary

 

The following is a summary of our curriculum. Detailed descriptions can be found here.

 

Mathematics

 

Algebra I
Algebra II/Trigonometry
Geometry Algebra II/ with Construction Application
Pre-Calculus

 

Language Arts

 

American Literature
American Literature Honors
College Writing
English I – Writing
English II
Introductory Literature

 

Science

 

Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Chemistry Honors
Materials Science
Physics I
Physics II

 

Social Science

 

Economics & Engineering
U.S. History
World History
Women's Studies

 

Career Concentration Courses

 

Manual Drafting
AutoCAD
Advanced Architecture
Green Architecture
Building Trades I
Building Trades II
Advanced Building Trades
Principles of Engineering
Civil Engineering

 

Electives

 

Art & Drawing
Business
Information Technology

Journalism
Piano
Photography
Physical Education

 

After-School Programming

 

Robotics Team
Aspiring Builders
Environment In Action
Community Support Team
Music Club

 

Click here for detailed course information.