AoIT & Loften High School FAQ

Isn’t Loften for bad kids?
This is a common misconception about Loften High School. It is NOT for bad kids. Loften has several different programs available to students of all ages. Most students come to Loften because they feel they can be more successful in a smaller setting with smaller class sizes. Loften also provides an opportunity for motivated students to earn credits faster. New Pathways and Horizon Center not Loften High School are schools designated for students with disciplinary problems.

What is the school schedule?
Loften High School begins at 9:25 and ends 3:25. You have four 80 minute classes and one half-hour lunch period.

Why come to Loften?
It is less crowded than the other high schools, which means that there are fewer students in each class. This allows students the opportunity to get more individual assistance from the teacher. The school hours are convenient to students, and no homework is assigned unless requested by the student.

Is it a public school?
Loften is public school, and has all the same days off as all the rest of the schools; however, Loften is a school of choice. This means you choose to come to Loften, and Loften chooses whether to accept the applicant.

How do we get to and from school?
You can take a school bus or a city bus also you can also be dropped off by parents or drive yourself, if you have a license. City bus is provided free of charge if you qualify.

How big are the classes?
Most classes have approximately 15 students but you can always count on the fact that the classes are somewhat smaller than other high schools.

Do you get to work at your own pace?
Yes you can finish high school in less than a usual high school. But you have to work to do that.

What is ‘competency’ based instruction?
Working at his or her own pace, the student must display mastery of each course performance of the SSS standards in the order they are presented before moving to the next standard in the course. Motivated students have the opportunity to complete the course requirements in a shorter amount of time than in the traditional classroom.

What do we have to do to graduate from Loften?
The graduation requirements for Loften are the same as all high schools. You must have 24 credits and meet state testing guidelines to graduate for high school.

Is it a four-year high school?
Not in the traditional sense. At Loften, students work at their own pace. It could take four years, or even five. A few students have even finished all the graduation requirements in two years --- but they were highly motivated!

How many people go to Loften?
Loften currently has approximately 300 students enrolled.

What is AoIT?
AoIT stands for Academy of Information Technology. This is a computer magnet program that introduces students to all aspects of computers and computer hardware and software. Students not only learn the history of computers, but they learn about the components in a computer and how to build and repair computers. Students learn to install operating systems and troubleshoot many aspects of a computer. Students will take Programming, 3D Modeling and Animation, Virtual Reality, Digital Media, Web Design, Database Administration, Network Administration, Technical Writing, and Tech Support. Anything dealing with computers, we will do.

What will we be doing in AoIT?
Not only do you take the standard high school classes, but you will also be involved in an elite technology -based program that involves classes such as Intro to Information Technology, Programming, Multimedia Design, and others. Do we have access to special equipment? Yes, we have the latest computer equipment and technology.

Will AoIT help us in the future?
You will graduate Loften High School and AoIT with the prerequisites to get an Information Technology job immediately. AoIT is a National Academy Foundation program. You can see more information at http://www.naf.org/. Of course college is an option for all Loften graduates.

What are the benefits for going to AoIT?
You are required to do a paid internship between your eleventh and twelfth grade year. You will receive credit for this internship.

Would you recommend Loften and the AoIT program?
Yes I would recommend Loften to anyone who is motivated to work and likes technology.