Our Purpose

Akins New Tech Academy, in partnership with our community and through innovative delivery of rigorous curriculum, will develop students fluent in 21st century skills that are necessary to become resilient and courageous life-long learners, prepared for any post-secondary endeavor.

 

 

 

Innovative Model

Akins New Tech Academy follows an instructional model that seeks to mimic a professional environment in order to better prepare students for life outside of high school.  Students participating in the New Tech experience work in groups to solve problems while using technology as a tool.  Students and staff share a culture of trust, respect, and responsibility. One of the primary goals of Akins New Tech is to empower students to be independent, creative, and self-motivated while gaining a college-ready knowledge base.

 

 

Students

Akins New Tech Academy opened in August 2006 with 150 10th grade students drawn from the Akins High School student population. Each subsequent year, a grade level was added.  During the 2013-14 school year Akins New Tech will have approximately 425 students in grades 9 through 12.  Just like all of the other academic Academies at Akins, students self-select New Tech and are accepted as long as space is available.

 

 

Technology as a Tool

Technology, in the form of a one-to-one student to networked computer ratio, is the platform that supports project-based learning. Students have access to the network e-mail, curriculum platform, and storage space for an electronic portfolio.  These tools can also be accessed both on and off campus.

 

 

Project-Based Learning

All classes are taught using the Project-Based Learning Model. Teachers assign projects that meet the state standards required for each class by challenging students to address problems faced by real people in real situations. Students must use a variety of skills to complete research and present their ideas.  Included in the scope of each project are assignments that enable students to develop the knowledge and skills addressed in the school-wide learning outcomes.

 

Courses