High Tech Academy

Program Overview

High Tech Academy (HTA) is a dual-enrollment STEM program that gives students the opportunity to take college-level engineering, math, and physics classes in a challenging environment with other motivated students. HTA students can earn up to 29 college credits during their junior and senior years of high school! Students participate in hands-on honors engineering classes and work together to solve problems, all while earning college credit in mathematics, physics, and engineering. If you are a motivated HCPS student interested in getting a head start for college, this program is for you!

Courses Offered 2025-2026:

Precalculus I* [Reynolds MTH 161]
Precalculus II*[Reynolds MTH 162]
Calculus I* [Reynolds MTH 263]
Calculus II* [Reynolds MTH 264]
Differential Equations* [Reynolds MTH 267]
Statistics* [Reynolds MTH 245]
General Physics I* [VCU PHYS 201]
General Physics II* [VCU PHYS 202]
Introduction to Engineering* [VCU ENGR 101]
Engineering Statics* [VCU EGMN 102]
Hon Engineering Explorations I [HCPS 8450]
Hon Engineering Analysis & Applications II [HCPS 8451]

*denotes dual enrollment course

POSSIBLE CertificationS:

NOCTI Pre-Engineering Certification
Workplace Readiness

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Engineering Program is a dynamic, two-year opportunity for juniors and seniors from all county high schools. Students can:

Earn up to 29 college credits through partnerships with VCU and Reynolds Community College.
Build professional networks by connecting with potential employers for internship opportunities.
Explore career paths through hands-on field trips to engineering sites.

Located at the ACE Center at Highland Springs, the program is independent of the Highland Springs High School engineering program and operates on an alternating-day schedule. Students continue to attend their home high schools, allowing them to maintain participation in sports, marching band, clubs, and other activities.

Annual Program Fee: $10–$20, depending on the number of engineering courses taken.

TO JOIN HTA

Interested HCPS students can apply online during the fall of their sophomore year.
To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following criteria:
- - - - Currently enrolled in Algebra II or Precalculus.
      - Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
      - Finish Algebra II or Precalculus with at least a C.
Students may still apply after the fall application deadline if spots are available and will be considered for acceptance through mid-spring.

HIGH TECH COURSE TRACKS

High Tech Academy Tracks

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

Ms. Buschy, Engineering & PROGRAM LEAD

Ms. Allison Buschy teaches Honors Engineering I and II and supports the dual enrollment engineering courses. As a licensed Professional Engineer, she has an extensive background in civil engineering and has worked in various fields throughout the Commonwealth. Ms. Buschy enjoys teaching engineering concepts by doing hands-on projects with students.

Questions? Please email me: ambuschy @ henrico.k12.va.us

MR. BRUSCO, Mathematics

Mr. Sal Brusco teaches all of the math classes for High Tech Academy. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Mathematics Education and a Master of Science from Duquesne University in Computational Mathematics and Statistics. He's been teaching for 11 years and this is his first year at ACE.

Questions? Please email me: srbrusco @ henrico.k12.va.us

ENGINEERING PROJECT & EVENT PHOTOS