AoIT FAQs
What is AoIT?

The Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) is a four-year career academy affiliated with the NAF. Within a smaller learning cohort, students have core and academy classes together. Academy teachers share the cohort of students and work together to integrate technology into their curricula through developing interdisciplinary projects.

Who is it for?

Any student enrolled or eligible for enrollment in Cabarrus County Schools may complete the Program Choice application for assignment to a Program Choice program.

Does my student need to be experienced in technology?

No. Students will learn IT skills in various  IT courses over four years. 

Is AoIT only for students interested in IT careers?

No. While many academy students are interested in IT and Engineering careers, the skills students learn in AoIT are transferable to all career paths.

How are students admitted?

Program Choice uses a lottery to fill the spots with a maximum enrollment of 75 students. If more than 75 students apply, the lottery is used to determine the order of the waitlist. 

Why is the lottery system used?

A career academy should be homogeneous in the school’s student population. A lottery is the most equitable method to achieve this. Interest in IT and grades are NOT a factor in admittance.

Can my student take honors or AP classes in AoIT?

Yes. In core AoIT classes, such as English, Social Studies, Math, and Science, students will be in combined classes of academic and honors, depending on what level they are recommended for. Teachers will differentiate assessments for honor levels. Students can enroll in honors-level programming courses throughout their high school career. In 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, students may take AP courses but they will not be AoIT cohort classes. Their AP selections include but are not limited to, courses offered in English, Social Studies, Math, Science, World Language, Art, Computer Science, and Computer Programming. Their course selection will not have any effect on their status in AoIT.

Can my student take other elective courses?

Yes. While IT courses are required in AoIT in the four years, students still have the opportunity to take many other elective courses. AoIT IT courses do meet the graduation requirement.

Is AoIT more difficult?

No. All courses follow the NC standard course of study. What will be different is the integration of technology into core classes, interdisciplinary approach/teaching, and project-based learning. Work-based learning and 21st Century Skills are also included in AoIT courses. AoIT students will have many projects that involve working in teams and giving presentations. Academy students are required to take at least one academy course each year to meet their certification requirements.

Can an AoIT student still participate in athletics or clubs?

Yes. AoIT students may participate in athletics and clubs. 

Are there any costs or fees to be in AoIT?

The Academy of Information Technology is free of charge. Students will have an option to purchase an AoIT shirt in 9th grade.  Our academy takes advantage of work-based learning opportunities, so there may be costs for field trips.  

Can my student drop out of AoIT?

We expect to have a wait list for enrolling in the AoIT Program. As a result, 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.

Most of the time, conflicts with a student’s obligations can be worked out to allow students to meet their goals and stay in the program. If the conflict cannot be resolved, the student must meet with their academy coordinator to discuss the possible withdrawal. Parents must email Program Choice at programchoice@cabarrus.k12.nc.us to complete the withdrawal process. The decision to drop will be made on a case-by-case basis.