TheEdisonAcademy

The Edison Academy is one of five academies in the Fairfax County Public School system. It is located at Thomas A. Edison High School in Alexandria, Virginia. The Edison Academy offers advanced, technical and specialized courses that primarily focus on career fields in the curriculum cluster of International Studies, Business, Engineering or Scientific Technology.

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Virginia Governor’s Career and Technical Education Exemplary Standards Award

May 20, 2009 - Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that the Cosmetology Program at the Edison Academy was one of the first three recipients of the Virginia Governor’s Career and Technical Education Exemplary Standards Award. The award, established through Virginia’s National Governors’ Association (NGA) grant, recognizes individual career and technical education (CTE) programs that meet the rigorous standards for exemplary CTE programs in Virginia.

“I congratulate these teachers, and programs, for their fine work and for setting the standard for career and technical education in the Commonwealth,” Governor Kaine said. “These programs have developed creative ways to meet 21st century workforce needs that will help our students succeed and by extension will help all of us in Virginia.”

Congratulations to Ms. Bayati and a special thank you to all staff who assisted in making this outstanding achievement possible.  Ms. Bayati will receive the award from Governor Kaine at the CTE Summer Conference in Richmond on August 4.  

Congratulations on a great achievement!

Partners in Education Awards

At the May 14th Partners in Education Awards Ceremony at Falls Church High School, Mr. Rob Stringham,  and our business partner for HVACR,  Tribles, Inc., were honored with the Career Connections Award.  Several schools were nominated,  and we were selected for this honor and recognized as the outstanding cooperative effort of a business partner and a school in developing career experiences for students in the entire school system. 

This strong partnership has developed and matured over six years.  Tribles and Mr. Stringham have worked together to ensure that our students have an increased awareness of career options.  This partnership has also helped our students acquire new skills and prepared them for  the demands of today's world of work.

Congratulations to Mr. Stringham and Tribles for establishing and maintaining such a strong partnership that is productive and beneficial for all involved, and a special thank you to Genie Williford who put together such a strong nomination packet.

Mount Vernon Estate - Behind the Scenes

Edison Academy Animal Science, Landscaping, Electrical, and HVAC students took behind the scenes tours of Mt Vernon Estate on March 24th and 26th  courtesy of the Academy’s partnership with the Mt. Vernon Ladies Association’s Operations and Maintenance Department. Students learned about the extensive operations of maintaining and running a 500 acre historic estate and museum complex from beneath the ground up.

Microsoft Digigirlz Event

8 Edison Information Technology students took part in the  Digigirlz event hosted by Microsoft on March 25th. Students met with Women Leaders in Technology and got hands on interaction with the latest robotics simulation software, Microsoft’s latest software and hardware products and user friendly programming tools. Students also learned about breaking trends in the industry and how those trends are relevant to women entering technical fields. Interested students are encouraged to apply for the more extensive Microsoft Digigirlz Summer Camp Experience, a 3 day event to be held in Reston August 5-7 , 2009. For more information visit Microsoft Digigirlz Page.

Air Force Career Fair

12 Members of the United States Air Force visited with Edison Academy students on March 18 to discuss opportunities for students who wish to work in government service by joining the military.  Members of the Air Force represented careers in HVAC, mechanics, honor guard, culinary, hospitality, satellite monitoring and control, communications, business management, and health administration among others.

HVAC Partners with Trible's Inc

The Edison Academy Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) High School program in Alexandria, Va. signed a formal business partnership with Tribles, Inc. of Upper Marlboro, Md. on Thursday, February 19th, 2009. Tribles has been a major community sponsor for the Edison Academy HVAC&R high school program for the past 8 years providing donations of appliances and parts, as well as behind the scenes field trips and training for students at their Springfield location. This formal partnership signed by Preston Trible, President of the company, cements the entire company’s commitment to the Edison Academy program for the benefit of continued generations of HVAC&R students.

HVAC Visits Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College hosted the annual Skills USA District 5 HVAC contest at their Woodbridge Campus. It was sponsored by the college HVAC program. The college’s instructors set up stations for the students to demonstrate their skills and abilities in refrigeration troubleshooting, recovery of refrigerant and soldering techniques. Edison Academy HVAC students John Buffington placed first and Casey Harrison placed second.

In addition to the contest, the HVAC students we offered a tour of the campus by the college counselors and students. The students learned about the programs offered, admission requirements and general college information. After the contest and tour the NVCC staff sponsored lunch for students.

Hospitality and Hotel Marketing Visit the Gaylord

Edison Academy Hospitality and Hotel Marketing students were hosted for a behind the scenes tour of the superior 4 star Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center at National Harbor on January 5th. Students traversed the “back of the house” corridors, dined in the STARS employee cafeteria, toured the hotel’s deluxe suites, one of several restaurants, their conference center, banquet and bridal facilities. Uppermost in most student’s minds was the opportunity for employment with the Gaylord Hotel chain.

Additionally, Jason Rodriguez, Director of Sales, at the Springfield Hilton visited the Hospitality and Hotel Marketing students on January 6th to talk with them about careers with the Hilton hotel chain.

Academy Alumni Day

Edison Academy hosted Academy Alumni Day on Dec 19th. Students who attended Edison Academy in past years were invited to visit informally with their teachers and current students throughout the day, to enjoy lunch with fellow alumni members at 11:00 a.m. and to take part in an afternoon panel discussion with second year Academy students from 12 -1 p.m. in the Academy Room 527.

Career and Technical Education Students Mock Interviews

Over 60 students from Edison Academy took part in mock interviews on Dec 9th with community business volunteers as a a part of their career experience program. Students were interviewed , then coached by the volunteers to help them further develop and hone their professional job seeking skills.

Students Visit Lincoln Tech

Edison Academy students from Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; Automotive Technology; and Auto Collision Services traveled to the Maryland Campus of Lincoln Technical Institute on December 5th to tour the campus and explore specialized post-secondary degrees and certification programs offered on the Columbia, Maryland campus.

Congratulations Interns!

Congratulations to those Edison Academy and Edison High School students who are taking part in internships with the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Two Academy students are currently employed as seasonal interns and several others are being interviewing during the month of December for positions at the Wilton Woods and Sprague Center DIT locations for second semester internships.

Academy Students Exhibit Carbon Monoxide Project on Capitol Hill

Edison Academy students and HVAC instructor Robert Stringham recently presented information to the House of Representatives Career and Technical Education Conference. Edison Academy students were invited to attend the event along with ten other student organizations from across the United States by the Association of Career and Technical Education, and SkillsUSA, a technical Student Organization (CTSO). The event was held in the Rayburn House Office Building on September 9. The theme of the event was "CTE Goes Green".

Edison Academy students had the opportunity to highlight and explain to Congressmen and their staffs the importance of Carbon Monoxide safety in homes and business. Students demonstrated the proper installation of CO detectors, and explained how to detect the early warning signs of CO poisoning. Student presentors explained how Career and Technical Education courses, such as HVACR, are preparing them for their future in the work force and in postsecondary education.

The Carbon Monoxide Awareness project was created by HVACR Instructor Robert Stringham last year and earned a $10,000 grant from SkillsUSA and the Lowe's Corporation. As part of the project's outreach, students distributed 100's of Carbon Monoxide detectors to the public. For futher information please contact Mr. Robert Stringham, HVACR Instructor, at 703-924-8112.

Soussan Bayati Honored as Teacher of the Year!

Soussan Bayati, Cosmetology Instructor at Edison Academy since 1997, was recently named "Teacher of the Year" by the Virginia Association of Trade and Industrial Educators at the organization's recent conference in Roanoke, VA. Ms. Bayati was honored by her peers for this prestigious award in part because of her commitment to student success and achievement. She and her students have established a unique partnership with Key Center, and she has been an active sponsor for the Academy's SkillsUSA chapter. For the past three years 100% of her students have passed the Virginia State Cosmetology Licensure exam. The time, attention, and knowledge that Ms. Bayati shares with her students continues to inspire and impress upon all of us to reach out to students, make a difference in their lives, and have a positive impact on their futures.

Congratulations to Soussan Bayati for this well-deserved honor!

Landscaping Course Featured on School Scene

Edison Academy’s Landscaping program, under the leadership of instructor Brice Boyd, was featured in SchoolScene #19 which aired on Red Apple 21 June 25 – July 8. You can see the full video here. The complete FCPS Video Gallery can be found here.

Cosmetology/Key Center Partnership

The Academy Cosmetology program has a great partnership with the Key Center which allows students to interact benefiting both schools. Watch the video.

 

 

 

The Edison Academy is one of five academies in the Fairfax County Public School system. It is located at Thomas A. Edison High School in Alexandria, Virginia. The Edison Academy offers advanced, technical and specialized courses that primarily focus on career fields in the curriculum cluster of International Studies, Business, Engineering or Scientific Technology. Most classes are a year long. Most programs will prepare students to earn national certifications of proficiency in their career related studies. Academy programs will emphasize career experiences with Springfield and Alexandria based businesses. Students take four classes at their home school and earn two or three credits at the Academy. Three sessions are taught each day, AM classes, Midday classes and PM classes.

The Academy is strategically located in Alexandria, Virginia, a short drive from the major business centers of metropolitan Washington D.C. Our students have advanced academic knowledge and are working toward advanced competency levels in their academic coursework. The Academy offers the local business community a unique opportunity to become involved in the process of educating students to meet the industry needs of our workforce.

Registration starts in February!

Enrollment Applications and Student Statements are completed by the home school counselor during registration in February. Admission is dependent upon completion of the appropriate application and enrollment guidelines for the selected course. Academy courses are primarily designed for Juniors and Seniors. Students are placed on a waiting list when programs are fully enrolled. The academy has one class available online, Oracle Database Design. For more information go here.

Application Procedure

If you are a student interested in attending Edison Academy you must do the following.  Note all classes are open to rising juniors and seniors.

1.  Discuss your interest in Edison Academy with your base school guidance counselor.  He/She will have details about Academy courses and their fit with your academy plans and future class schedule.

2.  If still interested, complete an Academy Application and a Student Statement and return them to your guidance counselor during the regular class registration period.  Be sure your transcripts are included with the application.  Your guidance counselor will send the application materials on to Edison Academy at your request.

3.  Students with a serious interest in attending Edison Academy are encouraged to visit the Academy during established visitation days in February and/or March.  There is also an evening Open House program on January 28, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. for interested students and their parents/guardians.  At the Open House, teachers are available to talk about their courses.

4.  The Academy counselor and Academy Admissions Team will review the student’s application, transcript, and other supporting information available, and decide whether to: Accept the student for the desired program, or Place the student on a waiting list for the desired program, or Accept the student for an alternate program because of space limitations or because the student’s qualification does not permit acceptance.

If you have questions please call 703-924-8101 or email Jackie.Thomas@fcps.edu.

Transportation may be provided within limitations for students attending classes at the Academy at no charge. Students are shuttled from their home schools. Shuttle schedules are arranged for each of the three sessions of classes. Student parking is permitted at Edison Academy when appropriate parking permits have been obtained. Academy Bus Schedule.

Chris Castillo a past student from Oracle - Database Design had this to say about his experience in the class.
" My computer science professors are surprised when I tell them that I have an SQL certification from Oracle. From their experience in teaching, high school students are not taught SQL or even receive an SQL certification. That is left to the upper level college students. I consider myself lucky that I was given the opportunity to take such an important class at such a young age. Very few high schools offer their students Oracle or a similar class. I would have never guessed that taking the Oracle class would make me decide to pursue a career in technology.  I am a Computer Science major at the University of Mary Washington. I am using the skills I learned in the Oracle class and applying them to everyday computer science classes here. Without the Oracle class, I would not feel as confident and be as efficient in any computer science class as I am today."