Rising 9th
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As a 9th grader, you will have a choice between CDAT9 and the 9th Grade Academy. This is only a commitment for 9th grade, as all students will choose an official academy going into 10th grade (CDAT-STEM Academy, Global Business Leadership and Arts, and Life and Health Academy).
Both choices will offer support for 9th graders as they start their high school years, such as peer mentors, special advisement, and more.
We have updated and upgraded CDAT, with some opportunities only available to CDAT students!
9th grade will be:
Chemistry (any Lanier student should take this in 9th if you want AP Biology as an option in 10th)
Language Arts (Honors or College Prep level)
Technology (Programming or Engineering) - we are flexible if you want to change and take a different course with us at the start of the year, another CDAT perk!
If you choose Programming that will be the first semester, and second semester will be AP Computer Science Principles. Don't let that scare you, this AP has one of the highest pass rates in the country. Also, you will receive one more high school course credit, and possibly college credit!
10th grade will be:
Biology (regular or AP, your choice)
AP Seminar - this counts as your 10th grade Language Arts, AND is the first step to AP Capstone if you choose. An amazing opportunity!
Technology (Continue Programming or Engineering)
11th grade will be:
AP Research - the second step of AP Capstone if you choose, and you will focus on an independent or group project of your choice. This will count as a technology elective, and could also be participation in the Science and Engineering Fair (CDAT has had two groups get to the International level so far).
All 11th graders also take Physics (AP or regular) and Language Arts (AP or regular), but these are not blocked together like 9th and 10th.
12th grade will be:
Dual Enrollment in college or Work-Based Learning or Internships, whatever gets YOU the experience you want.
Our teachers collaborate and focus on making learning Authentic, Creative and Efficient. We do work with some projects, but always embrace projects that YOU want to pursue if you have a passion for it! You will always choose at least half of your group, if not all of it. Check out our Awards and Recognitions page.
Students are with us for 3 consecutive hours, and the rest of the day they are participating in traditional high school classes. We are pretty good at it, already in 4 books and numerous articles about how successful we are (not to mention the awards such as Student Emmy's, a Patent, International Science Fairs, and more.) You are not committed to CDAT for your entire time at Lanier High, just 9th grade to start (but we'd love to have you stay!).
We hope that we can help you to embrace STEM the way you see it, from hands-on manufacturing to understanding how to use technologies to change the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STEM?
STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It ranges from auto mechanics to pre-med to robotics and programming. CDAT has been recognized as one of the most impressive, certified STEM programs in Georgia, and even in some national publications. Many folks want us to be STEAM, and we do want art involved, but have not passed official State certification for STEAM.
Are CDAT9 students just focused on STEM?
They are focused on creative projects to demonstrate their learning and to learn how to collaborate as a professional team, and we use their Language Arts and Science classes to have fun! Students who have demonstrated an interest in a particular area of STEM can choose to further that interest AS their project!
Is CDAT just like TWIST at Lanier Middle?
While there are some overlaps, students tell us that CDAT is very different than TWIST, and that's because we are getting you ready for college or career! We do like projects, but you have a LOT more choice in projects based on YOUR interests. Any project you do should be about what YOU like to do, and you will always choose at least half of your group, if not all of it.
Are CDAT9 students committed to the CDAT STEM Academy for their 4 years?
No, they can change any year when we register for classes.
Which students do well in CDAT9?
Our most successful students have the ability to work as a team, do their part, and be open to new ideas. We want them to try to discover their passion and interests, and we help them to go further with their pursuits. From welders to biotechnologists to programmers, we will help you accelerate beyond most of your peers in YOUR choice of STEM.
Can I take AP classes as a 9th grader?
One popular option for 9th graders is AP Computer Science Principles, approximately 80% pass the AP test and get college credit (where colleges accept AP credit). Outside of CDAT you can also take AP Human Geography as an elective, even if you're in CDAT.
Can I take AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) as a 9th grader?
Yes! Sign up for CDAT Elective to start, then we will automatically add you to AP Computer Science Principles in your second semester.
How do I sign up for CDAT9?
To register for CDAT9, simply fill out the form at the top of this page, that's it!
Can I do other things like band, orchestra, theater or sports if I'm in CDAT?
Absolutely! We have students involved in all of those things. In some uncommon situations you might want a set of courses that could conflict with CDAT, but we only see about 1 or 2 students per year in that situation, and they just need to choose.
What if I have more questions?
Email michael.reilly@gcpsk12.org or molly.stiltner@gcpsk12.org and ask!