Nearby, Exciting High School_

Nearby our homes is an exciting magnet High School called the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering (A.I.T.E.). What exactly is happening there? A recent open house lead by Principal Mr. Paul Gross was attended to learn more.

The most obvious sign of A.I.T.E.’s development is its' recently-opened, ultra-modern $45M building of 120,000 sq. ft. located behind the existing Rippowam School. It provides a separate identity with a large entry atrium, 5 computer labs, 5 science labs, a bright library, cafeteria, exercise room and dance studio. The school has 40 classrooms unlike any we would normally see. Each room features an over-head projector and screen. The teacher from a podium using a laptop can project the lesson for all to see. The entire building is a wireless network. Since lessons are prepared digitally and homework submitted likewise, students who may be absent can keep up with all their required work. You would have to see this building to fully appreciate how state-of-the-art it is.

Technology is critical to our future. To succeed in this new environment the “digital natives,” as the current generation is referred to, must prepare to face the challenge of global competition like no other generation before. Thus, A.I.T.E. provides a college preparatory education in the core subjects of English, Social Studies, Math, Science and Foreign Language. At the same time technology is integrated into all studies. Each student is given a HP tablet laptop computer. Textbooks are often provided digitally. Notes are taken on the computer. From keyboarding to software applications to ethics, each student is taught in a way that is more in tune with his/her future needs.

In keeping with its' global theme, Mandarin Chinese and Arabic have been added to the curriculum. As a way to strengthen the language programs, students visit China, Egypt and other countries to learn first-hand about culture and history. In terms of technology there is a wide array of elective courses available. Microsoft Office and Cisco networking are two examples. Advanced Placement and Virtual High School courses are available. Associations with UCONN, N.C.C., the University of New Haven, and soon, Pace University, allow credit-bearing, college level courses to be taught on campus as well.

The student population has grown to 492 and will eventually become 650 in this building. There is a staff of 48 teachers. There are no dropouts although on rare occasions a student may be transferred to another high school. Recent results show that 99.3% of students graduate and 92% go on to college.

Since A.I.T.E. is a regional magnet school with much of its original funding coming from the State, 32% of its’ students come from outside Stamford including Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield and beyond. To gain admission an 8^th grader must fill out an application including an essay and teacher recommendations, undergo an interview and assessment and be chosen in the annual lottery. Of this year’s graduating class 87% went on to higher education; the remainder went into the workforce or on to the military. To learn more, visit www.aitstamford.org or phone: 977-4136.