Parents

The Academy of Technology and Advanced Manufacturing (ATAM) is a four-year career academy within Cary High School and part of Wake County Public Schools. It is a smaller learning community in which a cohort of students have core (English, Social Studies and Science) and Engineering/Manufacturing classes together. Academy teachers share the cohort students and work together to integrate technology into their curricula as well as develop interdisciplinary projects. Class sizes in ATAM are comparable to other classes at CHS.

Under current school board policy, only students assigned to Cary High School may apply and be admitted to ATAM. All rising freshmen assigned to AHS may apply. Joining ATAM requires a 4 year commitment.  Students must be on the standard course of study and have an interest in Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, and technology.

No. Students will learn skills in Technology, Engineering and/or Advanced Manufacturing via multiple technical courses over four years. Students should enjoy using and learning about technology.

No. While many ATAM students are interested in Technology, Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing careers, the skills students will learn in ATAM are transferable to any career choice.

Learning advanced technical and/or manufacturing skills

Learning Advanced communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills

Be introduced to the professional work environment

Learn how to build a professional network

Have access to well-paying, in-demand careers after graduation

Have access to internship and apprenticeship programs

Get a head start on college and career

Be part of a group of students and teachers that become like family

Be empowered to enter the workforce confident, ready to succeed and make the world a better place

No. ATAM students may participate in athletics, marching band and/or clubs at CHS or any activities that are after the school day. Many ATAM students do participate in athletics and/or clubs. 

We expect students and their parents/guardians to seriously consider their decision to enroll because we expect a four-year commitment to the program’s responsibilities and requirements. There are limited spots in each yearly cohort. A spot given to your student may result in another person not getting into the academy. Most of the time, student conflicts have been worked out to allow students to meet their goals and stay in the ATAM. If the conflict cannot be resolved, then the student and parent must submit a letter to the Cary High School administration and academy director requesting to drop ATAM. The decision to drop will be made on a case-by-case basis.