Academics
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Project Lead The Way (PLTW)
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a research-based curriculum for a variety of STEM curriculums. PLTW engages with partner universities and companies to create a transformative and cutting edge learning experience for students. As a certified PLTW school, Archbishop Spalding offers two PLTW programs:
-
Engineering
-
Computer Science
Engineering
Our program is a four year engineering program integrated into the students’ core curriculum. The combination of traditional math and science courses prepares students for college majors in engineering and technology fields and offers them the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school.
The program begins in the ninth grade and is completed in the twelfth grade. Enrollment is limited and based on an application process. Selection is based on student interest, willingness to commit to a four year program, math and science middle school grades, and a strong performance on the math section of the HSPT. Selected students will receive a letter of invitation with their letter of acceptance to Archbishop Spalding High School. Interested students and parents can attend a question and answer workshop.
Students accepted to the program will take one course each year as an elective. Students enroll in math and science courses that meet their interests.
- Introduction to Engineering Design (9th grade) - ½ credit towards CS, ½ credit towards Fine Arts
- Principles of Engineering (10th grade) - 1 full credit General Elective
- Digital Electronics (11th grade) - ½ credit towards CS, ½ credit toward General Elective
- Engineering Design & Development (12th grade) - 1 full credit General Elective
Students enrolled in the engineering program are required to have a device that meets the following specifications:
- Mac or PC required (Chromebooks not compatible)
- Processor: Intel® or AMD processor 2 Ghz +
- RAM: 12+ GB
- Hard Disk: 256 GB +
- Video Card: 2 GB + dedicated RAM, Microsoft® Direct3D 12® capable graphics card or higher supporting 1280 x 1024 screen resolution
- Operating System: Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11, 64 bit operating system or Apple device with OSX 10.15 +
Computer Science
Students may elect to complete the PLTW Computer Science (CS) Pathway. The PLTW CS Pathway consists of four courses:
- Computer Science Essentials
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Computer Science A
- Cybersecurity
Students do not need to apply to the program, they simply choose these courses as their electives.
