Innovation

ES Innovation Lab Dash

Innovation and state-of-the-art technology is thoughtfully integrated throughout the ACS academic program.

Curiosity is foundational to the ACS community. Our students are natural innovators.

 

ACS students develop critical thinking skills and engage in continuous inquiry, and the thoughtful integration of state-of-the-art technology throughout our academic program supports and fuels that effort. We support programs that empower students to take on the challenges of building bridges between classroom teaching and out-of-school learning experiences. 

ACS students use technology in a creative, collaborative environment and gain technological proficiency rooted in respectful, responsible and ethical behavior.

Innovative Learning Spaces

Our students are energized by several learning spaces for innovation and technology — the Innovation Lab in the Elementary School Library, the Middle School’s Backstage Techtoo Studios, Ideaspace Studio for film and television production, and FabLab, home to design technology classes.

Elementary Library Innovation Lab

The Innovation Lab opened in 2020 to spark student imagination and help our youngest students explore new ways of learning and communicating through technology. Students become creators of content rather than consumers, exploring robotics, TV production, animation and podcasting.

Film Class Stock

High School Film & TV Production

Through both instruction and self-directed learning, high school student have options that provide them with skills in filmmaking, design technology and coding.

MS Techtoo

Backstage Techttoo Studio (Grades 6-8)

Middle School students in the Backstage Techtoo Studio are deeply invested in projects ranging from filmmaking and animation to digital art and robotics. This immersive space includes a radio station, a TV studio, robotics arena, animation station and a small stage for performance. The reimagining of this element of the Middle School technology program motivates students to be active creators, giving them voice and choice in their creative work. 

FabLab

Design FabLab

Our FabLab (Fabrication Laboratory) is home to design technology classes, where students create prototypes, explore graphic design, cut designs on laser printers and more. 

Technology Requirements

Students in Grades 4 through 12 are responsible for providing their own Mac laptops. Additional details about minimum specification requirements for Middle and High School students and other technology guidance can be found in our Parent Portal.

Elementary School

School-owned iPads are available for classroom use in the lower Elementary grades in a 1:3 ratio. Grade 3 has access to school-owned laptops shared across three classrooms on a rotating basis. Elementary teachers use technology tools daily while regularly learning new skills to facilitate learning and engage students in their classrooms. These learning tools include projectors, music, document cameras, video cameras, iPads, MacBook Pros, account-based learning websites, and the Google Suite for Education.
 

Middle and High School

Students use Macbook Air or Macbook Pro laptops regularly throughout their academic program, with additional development of skills around the topics of digital citizenship, computer management, and competent, creative, positive, and responsible use incorporated into the curriculum. 

Technology Services

Our Technology Services team provides learning and technical support, oversight, management and expertise in order to meet the school’s ever-growing instructional and infrastructure needs. They also support the school’s rigorous academic program, including our intent to ensure all students are ready for life in our fast-paced, technology-rich and globally-connected society.