Academics Overview

Archbishop Carroll High School’s curriculum provides a rigorous introduction to a lifelong love of learning. Our program of study responds to our students’ diverse learning styles and talents, challenging them to be problem-solvers, thinkers, and leaders, with the skills to make the world a better place. We guide students to hear the call of their personal relationship with God, knowing and witnessing his works in class, in the community, and in their own growth.

As an International Baccalaureate World School, Archbishop Carroll’s course of study is grounded in a respect for a global viewpoint, rigorous critical thinking, and responsible citizenship. All students take college preparatory courses beginning in the 9th grade and continuing through upper-level honors courses. Ninety-eight percent of Archbishop Carroll graduates continue their studies at institutions of higher education.

Jim Vance Media Program

The Archbishop Carroll High School (ACHS) Jim Vance Media Program is a comprehensive four year plan for students to experience the journalism profession from the principles, practices and techniques, to hands-on-experiences in the field. Participation in this program, prepares students for the diverse media world of today and the future, through core coursework, practical implementation through out-of-class activities and practicum/internship experiences.

Utilizing a comprehensive approach from the fields of reporting and writing journalism, digital production (television and radio) scriptwriting and photo journalism, students will have the opportunity to have a diverse and multi-disciplinary approach to multimodal platforms on which to communicate. The program addresses a rigorous curriculum, which caters to industry trends and standards of convergence and the community needs, while reflecting the expectations of Archbishop Carroll’s College Preparatory Education.

In honor of Jim Vance, an American journalist, the art of storytelling, understanding, utilizing and implementing multimedia approaches, will be the primary focus of the program. His archived contributions to the fields of print, radio and television will provide countless opportunities through the curriculum and hands-on experience, in-house and in the field, to experience journalism as a profession.

Engineering Program-Project Lead the Way

The Archbishop Carroll High School (ACHS) Engineering Pathway is a comprehensive four year plan for students to experience various aspects of different engineering disciplines using the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Approach to Engineering. During the 2015-16 school year, Archbishop Carroll introduced a formal STEM Pathway option to students who wish to study Engineering while in high school. This program gives students the opportunity to explore real- life questions and seek answers.

PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. It empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. It also provides teacher training and resources to support teachers as they engage their students in a real-world learning.

The program consists of a series of modules units, or courses available for elementary, middle and high schools respectively. The following programs are designed and offered for grades 9-12:Computer Science, Engineering, and Biomedical Science. ACHS has adopted the PLTW Engineering Pathway. The developed curriculum is cohesive instructional path that is informed by the team members’ personal classroom experiences, current research, and ongoing collaboration with experts in academia and industry. In addition, the curriculum provides sets of activities for students with leading-edge engineering knowledge and expertise. Participating in this program provides transportable skills students can apply no matter how their career landscape evolves.

CUA Dual Enrollment Program

Archbishop Carroll students can enroll in courses at The Catholic University of America (CUA) for no fee on a space-available basis. Students have taken philosophy, chemistry, psychology, Calculus II, and statistics at CUA.

Augustine Scholars

Our Augustine Scholars program offers a special opportunity for mentoring and academic excellence for those students who distinguish themselves as true scholars upon application to the school. This selective program includes service projects, one-on-one mentoring with local college graduates, social and education activities, and an academic scholarship.

International Baccalaureate (I.B.) Program

Archbishop Carroll offers opportunities for students to choose to deepen their pursuit of knowledge according to their interests. All students have the opportunity to participate in International Baccalaureate courses and to pursue the full I.B. Diploma.