High School Information Night

November 5, 2025

Agenda:

1. Welcome: Amy Beldotti
2. Overview of Stamford High Schools, Pathways, and Program of Studies: Amy Beldotti
3. Academy of Information Technology & Engineering: Tina Rivera
4. Early College Studies at Stamford High School: Adam Scianna
5. High School of Business at Stamford High School: Dorothea Mackey
6. International Baccalaureate Programme at Stamford High School: Laura D'Allesandro
7. Academy of Finance at Westhill High School: Tanesha Poyser
8. Stamford Regional Agriscience Program at Westhill High School: Jon Russo
9. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) at Westhill High School: Al Almeida
10. SPS Anchor: Sidney Watson
11. Stamford Big Picture Learning Academy Charter High School: Dr. Sharon Spencer
12. J.M. Wright Technical High School: Amy Beldotti
13. Q&A

High Schools

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Westhill High School

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1,980 students

160 teachers

350+ course options

50 student clubs�29 athletic programs

Stamford High School

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1,959 students

160 teachers

350+ course options

50 student clubs�28 athletic programs

AITE

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661 students

65 teachers

160+ course options�20+ student clubs

Athletics at zoned HS

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Interdistrict Magnet School

Student enrollment as of October 1, 2025

High School Feeder Pattern

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Cloonan

Middle School

Grades 6-8

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Roxbury

Elementary

Grades K-5

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Westover Grades K-8

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High school assignments are �based on attendance zone

Students attending Rogers, Strawberry Hill, �Scofield, and Westover are assigned to either �Stamford High or Westhill based �on their home address

Leader in College-Level Courses

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Through professional development and credential enhancements, our high school educators are teaching more college level courses than most other schools in the state.

Students who earn a C or better in a given course earn college credit and receive a transcript from UConn that may be sent to other colleges and universities.

Students who earn a 3 or higher out of 5 may receive credit or advanced placement, but rules vary by college or university. Many university systems - including UConn - require students to earn 4s or 5s on AP exams to receive credit.

Did You Know?

SPS is offering 139 AP, UConn ECE, CT State Norwalk, and IB Courses in 2025-26.

• AITE: 25 AP and ECE courses.
• Stamford High School: 76 AP, ECS, IB, and ECE courses.
• Westhill High School: 38 AP and ECE courses.

College-Level Courses By School

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Advanced Placement

UConn ECE

Academy of Finance

Stamford Regional Agriscience

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2025-26:

38 College-Level Courses

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Advanced Placement

UConn ECE

Early College Studies

High School of Business

International Baccalaureate

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2025-26:

76 College-Level Courses

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Advanced Placement

UConn ECE

University of Bridgeport

Partnership with CT State

PLTW Biomedical

PLTW Engineering

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2025-26:

25 College-Level Courses

Slide updated 10/28/2025

Career-Connected Learning

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The SPS Career Pathways program offers students the opportunity to explore multiple academic pathways that align with their skills and passions.

SPS offers Career Pathways in 13 career clusters. Each Pathway includes resources similar to:

• Sequential courses
• Recommended clubs and organizations
• Hands-on elective courses and after-school experiences
• Opportunities to engage with business and industry partners
• Workforce certifications
• Shadow days, mentoring and internship opportunities
• Future career guidance

Career Clusters and Pathways

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An Enriched HS Experience

Career Pathways �are 2-year programs that begin in �11th Grade

Specialized Learning Opportunities

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• The Academy of Information Technology & Engineering
• Early College Studies at Stamford High School
• High School of Business at Stamford High School
• International Baccalaureate Programme at Stamford High School
• Academy of Finance at Westhill High School
• Stamford Regional Agriscience Program at Westhill High School
• Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) at Westhill High School

Students can apply to these programs regardless of their districted school.

Achieve. Innovate. Transform. Empower.

Academy of Information Technology

& Engineering

Why AITE?

• Smaller school setting
• Diverse staff and student body
• Authentic projects
• Real-world experience
• College readiness
• Career readiness
• Opportunities for collaboration and growth

Wall-to-Wall STEAM

• Hands-on, project-based learning
• Inquiry and exploration at the core of every lesson
• Collaboration across subjects
• Creative and critical thinking
• Real-world problem solving
• Innovation through design challenges
• Communication and presentation skills
• Transferable skills

The STEAM Journey at AITE

Exploration

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Capstone

and Leadership

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Foundation

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Specialization

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SENIOR

JUNIOR

FRESHMAN

SOPHOMORE

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DIGITAL MEDIA AND DESIGN

AITE

P A T H W A Y S

Tango Flight - Innovation in Action

AITE is one

of only a few

schools nationwide

with Tango Flight,

where students build a real

2-seat airplane with

industry mentors and

complete an aerospace

curriculum.

Early College Studies Dual Enrollment Program

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• Located at Stamford High School
• Dual enrollment program with CT State Norwalk
• Students can earn one of 3 Associate’s Degrees during high school:
• Computer Science: Mobile Programming, AAS (CSMP-AAS)
• Computer Science: Software Engineering, AAS (CSSE-AAS)
• Computer Science: Web Development, AAS (CSWD-AAS)
• Duration: 4-6 Years
• College & Career Ready

Why ECS Computer Science?

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Why ECS at Stamford High School?

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Students Develop Essential Skills for Career and Life

These ‘soft skills’ are highly sought after by employers:

• Academic Skills
• Goal Setting
• Academic Planning
• Career & Self Development
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Teamwork

Why ECS at Stamford High School?

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Other opportunities including corporate visits, orientation days, extended transition programming, and more!

Early College Studies Key Dates

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Information Session: November 19th at 6pm. Link for information session will be posted at www.ecsstamford.com.

Application available November 6 at www.ecsstamford.com

Application due by: January 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Acceptance letters sent via email by: February 2, 2026

Decisions due by: February 20th, 2026

Questions can be directed to Adam Scianna: ascianna@stamfordpublicschools.org

High School of Business at Stamford High School

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First high school in Connecticut to offer the HSB program, which was created by the nonprofit MBA Research and Curriculum Center.

• Intradistrict program
• Structured, project based learning environment
• Engaging community service projects
• Local business interaction
• Pathway in Business Administration
• National exams and recognition
• Earn college credits
• Curriculum connections to FBLA and DECA student academic enrichment

Empowering Next Gen Business Leaders

High School of Business

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• 3-year program includes six semester-length courses:

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• Culminates in a capstone course in which students start and run their own business.
• The program features guest lecturers and observational internships.
• Students learn about business and community diversity through partnerships with sister schools.
• MBA Research offers college credit opportunities through national affiliations and local universities.
• Fosters 21st century skills necessary for success in college and career now and in the future.

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1. Principles of Business
2. Business Economics
3. Principles of Marketing

4. Principles of Finance
5. Principles of Management
6. Business Strategies

High School of Business Key Dates

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Intradistrict Students: Apply by February 15, 2026 via the Stamford High website

Stamford High Students: Complete an application during spring of their freshman year

Google Form Applications and for more information:

Email Dorothea Mackey: Dmackey@stamfordpublicschools.org

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme

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The IB program provides a broad and challenging education enabling students to acquire important academic skills and to develop an international perspective and a commitment to their communities.

Learn more about IB at: https://www.ibo.org/

About the IB Middle Years Programme

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IB Middle Years Curriculum & Programming

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• Service as Learning experiences
• Personal Project Capstone in 10th grade
• Transition support through Programme Coordinator
• Student-centered, inquiry-based learning environments
• Attention to global themes and perspectives
• Embedded interdisciplinary learning experiences
• MYP teachers use the IB Approaches to Learning skills (ATLs) to guide teaching and learning
• Thinking skills
• Research skills
• Social skills
• Time management skills
• Communication skills

IB Middle Years 2026-27 Key Dates

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• IB MYP Virtual Information Sessions: November 13 or December 2 at 6 pm
• Zoom Meeting ID: 898 0992 4336
• Access Code: 302263
• Google Form Application available on the MYP page under Academics on www.stamfordhigh.org starting November 14
• Email ldallesandro@stamfordps.org with questions

Academy of Finance at Westhill High School

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The Academy of Finance program extends far beyond a course of study. It is a program designed to give students the knowledge and preparation they need to succeed in high school and in the world of finance.

Focus on Awareness, Exploration and Preparation

Intradistrict students: Apply by February 15, 2026 - Application on WHS Website

Westhill High Students complete an application during spring of their freshman year

• 3-Year Program. Intradistrict students begin freshman year at Westhill.
• Focused learning community
• Rigorous, career-focused curricula -This not only gives students a deeper understanding of the subject matter but also helps them explore potential majors and career paths before they even apply to college.
• Project-based learning

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Academy of Finance

Focus on Awareness, Exploration and Preparation

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Students are college, career, and future ready!

Academic Enrichment Club: Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

• Leadership development
• Opportunities to participate in state and national competitive events

Academy of Finance - Practical Skills & Experience

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Continuum of Work-Based Learning: Program Emphasizes on real world Skills through:

• Career fairs
• Guest speakers
• Job shadow
• Opportunities for worksite tours
• Workshops (Resume Coaching and Mock Interviews)
• Internships that enable students to apply their classroom skills and learn more about what it takes to succeed

Brings the classroom to the workplace and the workplace to the classroom.

These experiences help students develop professional skills, build a network of contacts, and gain valuable experience that can make them more competitive college applicants.

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Unlock your child's future!!!

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Army Jr. Reserve Officers Training Corps at Westhill

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JROTC is an elective leadership and citizenship development program available to all students. They earn 4 credits while participating in the program to gain valuable, practical leadership skills by serving in class/program leadership positions, learning leadership techniques in class, and working on their personal weaknesses to grow as a person.

Army Jr. Reserve Officers Training Corps

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JROTC counts as a full year credit

• JROTC teaches cadets leadership, geography, civics, health, global awareness, life skills and US history.
• JROTC curriculum includes lessons in leadership, health and wellness, physical fitness, first-aid, geography, American history and government, communications, and emotional intelligence.
• The Physical Training (PT) aspect of JROTC is important to keep students healthy and physically fit.
• After school activities such as Raiders, Drill, Color Guard, Cadet Fitness Challenge, JROTC Leadership & Academic Competition, Orienteering and few other areas reinforces the curriculum.

Why JROTC?

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• Cadets graduate in a better position to function in and outside of daily life, whether or not they chose to pursue a military career.
• WHS JROTC has a competitive Drill Team, Color Guard, and Raider team all of which rank among the best in the New England region.
• WHS JROTC recently travelled to Fort Knox, KY to compete in a National Raiders Competition that consisted of 190+ schools from around the country which included programs from Germany, Guam, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
• WHS JROTC in May 2025 travelled to Daytona Beach, FL to compete in the National Fitness Challenge.
• WHS JROTC activities include field trips, adventure training events, an annual military ball, and a summer cadet leadership challenge camp program.

To join, contact your School Counselor, as well as Major Weber or �Command Sergeant Major Almeida in rooms 13/14 at WHS.

SPS Anchor Program

The Anchor program serves high school students who benefit from a smaller school environment and individualized academic support.

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Our program focus on preparing, affirming, connecting, and empowering students through building positive relationships and developing self-management skills.

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SPS Anchor Program

• 8 am to 2:05 pm following the District calendar.

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• Offers the four core (science, mathematics, ELA, and social studies) and electives.

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• Operates in a Team Model (40 students per team):
• Team A: 9th Grade
• Team B: 10th Grade
• Team C: 11th & 12th Grades

Student Support Staff:

• 2 Social Workers
• 2 Special Education Teachers
• 1 Multi-Tiered System of Support Teacher
• 1 School Counselor
• 0.5 School Psychologist
• Speech and Language Pathologist
• Multilingual Learner Teacher

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Enrollment Form

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Stamford Big Picture �Learning Academy

Your Path, Your Future, Your Big Picture

High School Information Night| Dr. Spencer, Principal

STAMFORD BIG PICTURE LEARNING ACADEMY (SBPLA)

🌱 “One Student at a Time”

💡 Mission: To provide a rigorous, relevant, and relational learning experience that empowers each student to grow through personalized, real-world learning.

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📍 Location: Cloonan Middle School Building

🎒 Grades Served: 9–11

🚀 Expanding to Grades 9–12 by 2027–28

🔗 Website: SBPLA.org

💰Tuition Free Public Charter School

Graduation Requirements & College Ready Curriculum

9 credits in Humanities (English, Social Studies, Civics, Fine Arts, and electives)

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9 credits in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

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1 credit in Physical Education and Wellness

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1 credit in Health and Safety Education

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2 credits in World Languages

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1 credit in Mastery-Based Demonstration of Competencies

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2 elective credits in courses of choice

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All SBPLA students will meet the Connecticut high school graduation requirements, which include earning 25 total credits in the following areas:

Learning Through Interests

• Learning at SBPLA is driven by student interests and real-world relevance.

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• Students explore what excites them while developing independence, leadership, and essential workplace skills.

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• Progress is measured not by tests alone, but through authentic exhibitions

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Our Advisors (Teachers)

Our Connecticut-certified teachers ensure that instruction is aligned with state standards while honoring the Big Picture Learning philosophy of real-world application and student choice.

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By combining academic rigor with internships, mentorships, and community partnerships, we empower students to graduate college ready with meaningful experiences, personal skills, and a strong sense of responsibility for their futures.

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Currently enrolling for 9th & 10th grade 2025-26

Enrolling for 9th, 10th and 11th grades for 2026-27

How to Apply

1. Visit our website www.sbpla.org → admissions tab
2. Complete the online enrollment form
3. Submit required documents

Required Documents: last report card, 2 Proof of address, Birth Certificate, Recent physical and immunizations, IEP/504 If applicable, custody documents if applicable.

Q&A