Academics
What Is New Tech?
Aiken High School offers an innovative and nationally recognized program called New Tech — known for increasing graduation rates, test scores, and college and career readiness. Students engage in project-based learning, using technology every step of the way.
Students collaborate on projects that require critical thinking and presentation skills. By making learning relevant in this way, student engagement reaches new levels and produces better educational outcomes.
The increased use of technology supports this innovative approach. Working together on projects promotes trust, respect and responsibility among students and teachers. Each student has ownership of the learning experience and realizes a new level of accountability in the school environment — all necessary for the 21st-century workplace.
"Project-based, hands-on learning is at the heart of the New Tech instructional approach. Students collaborate on projects that require critical thinking and presentation skills."
Aiken emphasizes postsecondary education and career planning. The Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates program prepares juniors and seniors for collegiate and workplace experiences.
Students may take advantage of Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes, the GE Scholars program and Jr. GE Scholars for grades 7-9, and summer internships with local businesses.
A partnership with UC Bearcat Academy, a link between the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Public Schools, supports college awareness, readiness and preparation.
A partnership with Miami University’s (MU) College of Education creates an education pipeline that allows students to earn fullride MU scholarships and guaranteed employment with CPS as teachers upon graduation.
Work-Readiness Program
Aiken is helping its students be eligible to graduate and have a path to careers with its new work-readiness initiative.
The S.W.O.O.P. program — Students Working on Occupational Pathways — with Lawn Life, a landscaping business, allows students to sample on-the-job training in a variety of construction trades while experiencing paid employment. Students earn credits toward graduation while shadowing workforce mentors one on one.
Aiken offers:
- Problem-solving/project-based learning methods
- Leadership training and community service opportunities
- College and Career Resource Center and a full-time counselor scheduling monthly college and university experiences, plus ACT and SAT test preparation and assistance with the college-application process.
- One-on-one tutoring program during the school day with professionals from our Partner In Education, GE Aviation. An after-school tutoring program is also available.
High School Course Guide
Our High School Course Guide offers more details about the opportunities and resources available to our high school students. Students and their families are encouraged to use the High School Course Guide to plan their educational pathway. The guide includes course descriptions, information about early college credit and alternative credit programs, and more. Graduation requirements, grade reporting, report cards and other policies and procedures are also included in the guide.