Northeast High

The Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) at Northeast High School combines hands-on technical training, academic course integration and project-based learning in order to respond to the need for a well-qualified, highly technical, analytical and educated local workforce.  AOIT offers students a value-added program to enrich and complement the traditional high school experience.  Students develop marketable technology skills embedded in their coursework, prepare themselves for the industry certifications, and prepare for post-secondary degrees for this high-wage career field.

Incorporated in all courses are strategies for success including goal setting, study skills, organizing skills, learning styles, employability skills, and core academic skills with a strong emphasis on effective communication skills. Throughout the program, students build a portfolio containing work samples demonstrating the transferable skills they have achieved towards an IT career.  Qualified students may sit for exams to obtain industry certifications in Microsoft Technology Associate and Adobe applications.  Students may become eligible for Bright Futures/Gold Seal scholarships and/or a paid internship.

All students will begin with required courses in Digital Information Technology and IT Systems & Applications. Students who complete DIT in Middle School may be placed in an alternate IT Academy elective.

Upperclassmen have a greater choice of courses to complete the program, with year-long classes in Database Essentials, Programming Essentials, Web Development Technologies, Multimedia Technologies, Computer Networking Fundamentals, Cyber Security Fundamentals, and AP Computer Science.  All courses offer hands-on projects to enhance skills and comprehension, such as:

• Troubleshooting / repairing computer hardware & software
• Programming / coding Python, Java
• Building a local-area network
• Server allocation
• 3D Printing
• Webpage design and HTML coding
• Designing publications for print and digital media / Photoshop, Illustrator
• Producing and editing videos / Premiere Pro, After Effects

The four-year AOIT plan accommodates students desiring Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement options for academic courses, while fulfilling standard college entrance requirements.

The Board of Advisors (business partners) enhance the program by bringing their expertise into the classroom, as speakers, mentors, consultants and guest teachers for hands-on labs and seminars. They provide opportunities for field trips, job shadowing, conferences, and internships.  Students also participate in Junior Achievement and Future Business Leaders of America programs.

Students completing all their academy requirements may graduate with Honors from the academy. Students may receive an additional Honor from the National Academy Foundation by completing the NAF track.