Academies of Loudoun
The Academies of Loudoun (ACL) is a magnet school in Leesburg, Virginia. It is part of Loudoun County Public Schools. It houses three schools with a focus on STEM education, The Academy of Engineering and Technology (AET), The Academy of Science (AOS), and the Monroe Advanced Technical Academy (MATA).[2] [3]Students enrolled in the Academies of Loudoun attend the Academies every other school day, spending the remaining days at their non-magnet high school, determined by attendance zones. It is located on a 119 acre wooded campus, and cost $125 million.[4][3]
| Academies of Loudoun | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
42075 Loudoun Academy Dr , 20175 | |
| Coordinates | 39°02′33″N 77°33′01″W / 39.042637°N 77.550348°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Magnet school |
| Motto | Explore, Research, Collaborate, Innovate |
| Founded | 2018 |
| School district | Loudoun County Public Schools |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 2,156[1] (2022-23) |
| Color(s) | Blue, Green, and Teal |
| Mascot | Raptor |
| Website | www.lcps.org/acl |
History edit
The Academies of Loudoun opened in the 2018-2019 school year. This brought the three pre-existing schools under the same roof. The Academy of Science was relocated from Dominion High School, the Academy of Engineering and Technology was relocated from Tuscarora High School (Virginia),[5] and the Monroe Advanced Technical Academy was rebranded from the C. S. Monroe Technology Center, known as Monroe Tech, and relocated from it's building in Leesburg.[6]
Admissions Controversy edit
In 2019, the Loudoun NAACP filed a complaint that alleged African American students were denied opportunity to attend the Academies of Loudoun, based on their racial background. The Attorney General's office subsequently launched an investigation, and Virginia officials found that the Academies of Loudoun's admissions policies prevented qualified black and Hispanic students from being accepted. The Academies of Loudoun has since reviewed and modified their admission policies.[7]
Activities edit
Robotics Team edit
ACL RoboLoCo, the Academies' robotics team, participates in the FIRST Robotics Competition annually. In 2022, and 2023, they qualified for the FIRST Championship, colloquially known as "Worlds".[8]
References edit
- ^ "2022-2023 School Profile - ACL" (PDF). Loudoun County Public Schools. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
- ^ Nadler, Danielle (2017-03-06). "Academies of Loudoun Takes Shape". LoudounNow.com. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
- ^ a b "Academies of Loudoun Opens in Leesburg". Loudoun County Economic Development, VA. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
- ^ Truong, Debbie (2018-09-17). "Loudoun now has an elite science and technology academy of its own". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
- ^ Balingit, Moriah (2023-04-11). "Academies of Loudoun will take collaborative approach to STEM education". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
- ^ Collazo, Veronike (2018-09-13). "Loudoun County Public Schools changes course on Monroe Tech plans". Loudoun Times-Mirror. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
- ^ Natanson, Hannah (2020-11-20). "Virginia AG's office finds elite Loudoun STEM school discriminates against Black, Hispanic students". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
- ^ "Academies of Loudoun robotics team qualifies for world championship". INSIDENOVA.COM. 2023-04-27. Retrieved 2023-11-06.