Middle & High School
The i-Ready Diagnostic: Middle School
The i-Ready Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment for grades K-8 that identifies a student’s strengths and opportunities for growth. This information helps determine how to best support your student’s learning. The goal is to see the growth of each student from the initial administration at the beginning of the year to the end-of-year administration in June. i-Ready is NOT a traditional graded assessment but rather a computer adaptive tool that adjusts questions to find exactly where your student is at. Students are encouraged to engage in i-Ready My Path lessons for at least 30 minutes each week in reading and math to help strengthen and improve their skills.
For more information and resources about the i-Ready diagnostic, visit https://www.aacps.org/iready.
How to access the student i-Ready Report
International Science & Engineering Expo
This is not your ordinary Science Fair! The AACPS International Science and Engineering Fair is the secondary science fair program for students in grades 6-12. Winners of school-based fairs compete at the county level and can then move on to compete at ISEF in Los Angeles, California. The science fair is fun, exciting, and engaging! To learn more about these programs, visit the site for the International Science & Engineering Expo or the AACPS Science Department at aacps.org/science.
International Science & Engineering Expo:
Overview
Learn all about the Science and Engineering Expo (formerly called the Science Fair) and how your student can participate in the expo for the 2023-2024 school year!
International Science & Engineering Expo:
Tips and Tricks
Are you interested in the Science and Engineering Expo but you're stuck for ideas or need help getting started? Learn a few tips & tricks for a successful project!
AVID: Advancement Via Individual Determination
AVID is an academic, elective program designed to provide support to students who are in the “academic middle." AVID prepares students to enter and be successful in college through career and college exploration. Detailed is an overview of the program, including student testimonials and information on how to apply.
Take a look at AVID in the classroom and learn about the AVID student experience. From middle school through high school graduation, students apply the principles and strategies of AVID to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
For more information, visit the AVID Office.
AVID: Advancement Via Individual Determination
AVID in the Classroom
Magnet Programs
AACPS Division of Advanced Studies and Programs believes strongly in providing innovative educational programs for our students. It is through offering Magnet Programs in International Baccalaureate (IB), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and Performing and Visual Arts (PVA), as part of our schools of choice, that students explore their interests, talents, and abilities in a highly specialized and rigorous instructional setting. For more information, visit the Magnet Programs office.
Magnet Programs Overview
In the Magnet Programs, students learn about and explore issues that are current and relevant within their field of study: International Baccalaureate (IB), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), or Performing and Visual Arts (PVA). This video provides a brief overview of all the Magnet programs.
The Magnet Programs Application Process
Anne Arundel County Public Schools proudly offers three distinct magnet programs for middle and high school students - APEX Arts, IB, and STEM. This video session walks through the application and explains the program requirements and lottery system for these magnet programs to help families better understand the process.
Signature Programs
Each high school in AACPS features a Signature Program. In collaboration with local businesses and organizations, 21st century workforce needs in the area are identified. Based on the school's identified focus, courses, internships and experiences are developed and offered to students. Participation in the program allows students to explore career opportunities and develop marketable skills and knowledge that can position them for success upon graduation. The Signature Programs are available to all students in grades 9-12. Learn about how the real-world connections made through Signature Programs help to prepare high school students for college and career. For more information, visit Signature Programs.
The Signature Programs
Virtual Academy
The AACPS Virtual Academy is a fully virtual school of choice within AACPS that opened in Fall 2021. The Virtual Academy is a virtual-only learning solution for a limited number of students entering grades 3-12 who have an identified need for virtual learning, and offers flexibility for students and families. Virtual Academy students participate solely in online learning with varying degrees of synchronous and asynchronous engagement.
This video provides an information session that outlines the purpose of the AACPS Virtual Academy, describes the difference between traditional learning and previous virtual learning models, and explains the application process for communicating interest in attending the program. For more information, visit the Virtual Academy.
Virtual Academy
Athletics Program
Is your high school student interested in becoming a student-athlete and playing sports in AACPS? The Athletics Program has many sports available for high school students during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. From eligibility requirements to registration and tryouts, find out everything you need to know to participate in sports!
For more information and to access the sports physical form, visit AACPS Athletics.
AACPS Athletics Program Overview
Learn about the sports that AACPS offers each season and the process for becoming a student-athlete at your high school, including eligibility and other requirements.
How to register an athlete in Family ID
Registering your student-athlete in Family ID is the first step towards participating in sports in AACPS. This video will walk you through the registration process and all the requirements for successful registration.
