Academics Overview
Archbishop Carroll High School’s curriculum provides a rigorous introduction to a lifelong love of learning. Our specialized programs are challenging them to be problem-solvers, thinkers, and leaders, with the skills to make the world a better place. We guide students to hear the call of their personal relationship with God, knowing and witnessing his works in class, in the community, and in their own growth.
The Archbishop Carroll High School (ACHS) Jim Vance Media Program is a comprehensive four year plan for students to experience the journalism profession from the principles, practices and techniques, to hands-on-experiences in the field. Participation in this program, prepares students for the diverse media world of today and the future, through core coursework, practical implementation through out-of-class activities and practicum/internship experiences.
Utilizing a comprehensive approach from the fields of reporting and writing journalism, digital production (television and radio) scriptwriting and photo journalism, students will have the opportunity to have a diverse and multi-disciplinary approach to multimodal platforms on which to communicate. The program addresses a rigorous curriculum, which caters to industry trends and standards of convergence and the community needs, while reflecting the expectations of Archbishop Carroll’s College Preparatory Education.
In honor of Jim Vance, an American journalist, the art of storytelling, understanding, utilizing and implementing multimedia approaches, will be the primary focus of the program. His archived contributions to the fields of print, radio and television will provide countless opportunities through the curriculum and hands-on experience, in-house and in the field, to experience journalism as a profession.
Engineering Program-Project Lead the Way
The Archbishop Carroll High School (ACHS) Engineering Pathway is a comprehensive four year plan for students to experience various aspects of different engineering disciplines using the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Approach to Engineering. During the 2015-16 school year, Archbishop Carroll introduced a formal STEM Pathway option to students who wish to study Engineering while in high school. This program gives students the opportunity to explore real- life questions and seek answers.
PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. It empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. It also provides teacher training and resources to support teachers as they engage their students in a real-world learning.
The program consists of a series of modules units, or courses available for elementary, middle and high schools respectively. The following programs are designed and offered for grades 9-12: Computer Science, Engineering, and Biomedical Science. ACHS has adopted the PLTW Engineering Pathway. The developed curriculum is cohesive instructional path that is informed by the team members’ personal classroom experiences, current research, and ongoing collaboration with experts in academia and industry. In addition, the curriculum provides sets of activities for students with leading-edge engineering knowledge and expertise. Participating in this program provides transportable skills students can apply no matter how their career landscape evolves.
AP Courses and CUA Dual Enrollment Program
Advanced Placement (AP) college-level courses and exams, they have the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Students who take AP courses will be immersed in a rigorous, college-level classroom experience with certified College Board teachers who are passionate about their subjects and demonstrate continued commitment to meeting the needs of their pupils.
ACHS students can also enroll in the CUA Dual Enrollment Program at The Catholic University of America (CUA) for no fee on a space-available basis. Students have taken philosophy, chemistry, psychology, Calculus II, and statistics at CUA.
Augustine Scholars
Our Augustine Scholars program offers a special opportunity for mentoring and academic excellence for those students who distinguish themselves as true scholars upon application to the school. This selective program includes service projects, one-on-one mentoring with local college graduates, social and education activities, and an academic scholarship.