Loudoun Academy of Science
| Loudoun County Academy of Science | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 Loudoun County Academy of Science
Loudoun County Academy of Science
Loudoun County Academy of Science
|
|
| 21326 Augusta Drive Sterling, Virginia 20164 |
|
| Coordinates | 39°01′35″N 77°22′36″W / 39.0262686°N 77.3765534°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Magnet school |
| Established | 2005 |
| School district | Loudoun County Public Schools |
| Staff | 4 |
| Faculty | 11 |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Color(s) | Green and Black |
| Athletics | None |
| Mascot | Wolfpack |
| Information | 703-444-7426 |
| Director | George Wolfe |
| Website | Official Webpage |
The Loudoun Academy of Science is a part-time alternative school program for high school students enrolled in Loudoun County Public Schools. Currently, the program is located at the campus of Dominion High School at 21326 Augusta Drive in Sterling, an area in unincorporated Loudoun County, Virginia, United States.
The Academy was established in 2005 as a magnet program of science and technology for Loudoun County students. The purpose of the Academy is to provide advanced math and science courses for gifted students in science and technology. These courses include Advanced Placement courses, as well as classes devoted to scientific research. Science classes in the 9th and 10th grades integrate components of earth science, physics, and chemistry in preparation for AP level sciences in the 12th grade. The math curriculum integrates statistics and modeling in all of its courses, which range from Algebra to Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations. The Academy of Science differs from other similar magnet schools in the area such as TJHSST in that the class sizes are significantly smaller; all classes, excluding the junior year Biology class, have fewer than 20 students.
The admissions process is extremely competitive for 8th graders who wish to attend the Academy, based primarily on students' academic performance (grades) in middle school, a writing sample, as well as teacher recommendations. Starting in 2009, the PSAT is an application requirement for public, private, and home schooling students. As the AOS science, math, and research curriculum has gained popularity over the years, the number of applicants have soared. Beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, the application process will be split into two parts, similar to that of other magnate schools like TJHSST. As of 2015, AOS has announced as an admissions exam, students will take the SAT, a much harder test than the PSAT, which is what previous students had been taking.. Currently, 68 students enroll in the rising freshman class each year.
All students who attend the Academy go to classes located at Dominion High School every other school day where they take courses in math, science, and research. On alternating days, Academy students attend their home school, where they take courses in English, Social Studies, and other electives. The Loudoun County High Schools try to coordinate their schedules to allow Academy students to take extra curricular classes at the home school, but scheduling conflicts often arise. Students who attend the Loudoun Academy of Science are not considered to be students solely at the Academy, nor are they considered to be Dominion students. Unless an Academy student lives in the Dominion HS attendance zone, they are still considered students at their home schools, based on their residences.
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