Motivated students, well-equipped facilities, interested parents and teachers, and a supportive community are a winning combination for keeping students in school and providing them with state-of-the-art tools to build a future of their choice.

Starting with the ninth grade, students follow a four-year curriculum geared toward technology fields. The classes:

• emphasize math, science, and computer applications and
• focus on machining, computer-aided design (CAD), and automotive applications.

West Mesa students review an Autocad design

Advanced Technology Academy Sites

West Mesa High School was selected for SNL’s AME pilot program in 1996.

The program proved to be so successful that it has expanded to include Albuquerque High School. (link) In the years since the ATA was piloted,students from West Mesa High School and AHS have been proving in increasingly greater numbers that the ATA works for them! (Click to see a West Mesa student at work)

What Kinds of Classes Can I Take?

• Math
• Science—Chemistry and Physics
• Computers
• Machining and materials processing
• Computer-aided design
• Automotive and transportation technologies

West Mesa High School
Advanced Technology Academy Courses

	9	10	11	12
Math	Algebra I or ADP II	Geometry	Algebra II	Statistics
Science	Physical Science and/or Biology I	Chemistry or Chemistry in the Community	Physics I or Principles of Technology I	Physics II or Principles of Technology II
English	Grammar, Literature, Applied Communications
History, Humanities, Government, Arts	Arts, Humanities, Social Science, History, Government
Technology	Computer Applications	Machining & Materials Processing I	Machining & Materials Processing II	Automotive & Transportation Technology II
	CAD I or Automotive & Transportation Technology I	Computer Aided Design II (CAD II)	CAD III & CAM	Manufacturing Technology (Projects)

What Will I Be Qualified to Do When I Complete the Courses?

• Pursue a two- or four-year university degree in a technical field
• Start meaningful intern employment at SNL or other high-tech company, with an opportunity to convert to a full-time employee upon successful completion of classes and internship

Program Elements

• Motivated students
• Parent involvement
• Small class size
• Respect for students
• Computer software and hardware
• Advanced Technology Academy identity
• Qualified personnel
• Community involvement
• Academic/technical mentors and tutors
• Effective communication
• Financial/in-kind support
• Reward structure