The University of Mary Washington began the inaugural year of its lab school recently with the start of classes at the Academy of Technology and Innovation at UMW.
Lab schools are opening across the Commonwealth this fall with the goal of project-based learning experiences for high school students who seek to master technology. The students will use what they learn in the lab schools in the future careers in cybersecurity, political science, art and fashion.
The Virginia Department of Education approved UMW’s Lab School in 2023, and the Fredericksburg university welcomed 80 ninth-grade students, who were chosen in a January lottery. Students are from schools in the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline County, King George County, Orange County and Stafford County.
“ATI-UMW is really focused on helping students explore the reciprocal relationship between computer and data science applied across content areas,” Executive Director Rebecca Towery, a 2006 graduate of UMW, said. “We’re helping kids develop the skills to pursue the careers they’re most interested in.”
Lab Schools will create personal pathways for students to take dual-enrollment, obtain industry certifications and take advanced-placement coursework. UMW support special education, gifted and talented programs and English language learners at ATI.
“We have a full spectrum of learners. We really tried to design it to be open to anybody who shows interest,” Towery said.
ATI-UMW classes are held in the South Building at UMW’s campus. A $2 million start-up grant from the Virginia Department of Education provided new carpet, cable, wall wraps and furniture for enhanced instruction. A food service area was also installed and the library redesigned.
ATI students will also have opportunities to be a part of UMW’s College of Education in Fredericksburg.
“We are excited for our students to be engaged in the life of the school,” College of Education Dean Pete Kelly said.
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Rebecca Barnabi
