What Are the Academies of Loudoun?
The Academies of Loudoun (ACL) are a collection of three distinct academic programs housed at the Monroe Technology Center in Loudoun County, Virginia. Together, they offer some of the most rigorous and specialized high school education available in Northern Virginia — and admission is competitive.
Students attend ACL on an alternating-day schedule with their home high school, splitting time between their base school (for core courses, electives, and extracurriculars) and the Academies (for specialized coursework).
Academy of Science (AOS)
The AOS is a research-focused STEM program emphasizing scientific inquiry and independent research. Students take integrated science courses, Advanced Placement sciences, and — in their third and fourth years — conduct independent research projects with mentorship from professionals in the field. AOS is best suited for students with a deep interest in scientific research, data analysis, and laboratory work.
Academy of Engineering and Technology (AET)
The AET offers three tracks for students interested in applied STEM fields:
- Engineering — design, prototyping, and engineering problem-solving
- IT / Computer Science — programming, cybersecurity, and systems
- Entrepreneurship — business innovation, product development, and startup methodology
AET students learn through project-based coursework and real-world applications of technology and design thinking.
Monroe Advanced Technical Academy (MATA)
MATA offers career and technical education (CTE) pathways with a Governor's STEM Academy designation. With 26+ career clusters — including auto technology, construction trades, culinary arts, nursing aide, pharmacy tech, and more — MATA provides hands-on, industry-aligned training that prepares students for both college and careers.
Key distinction: AOS and AET are selective-admissions programs evaluated through testing and academic record. MATA uses a lottery-based admissions process for students who meet baseline eligibility criteria.
Admissions Pathways
ACL admissions operates on two distinct cycles, each serving different student populations and programs.
Fall Admissions Cycle (8th Graders to AOS and AET)
The fall cycle is the primary admissions window for rising 9th graders applying to the Academy of Science and/or the Academy of Engineering and Technology.
- Who can apply: Current 8th graders enrolled in Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS)
- Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in Algebra I or higher at the time of application
- Application window: Opens in early fall (typically September)
- Testing period: STEM Thinking Skills Assessment and Writing Assessment are administered in October/November
- Results released: Early March (before spring break)
- Dual application: Students can apply to both AOS and AET in the same cycle
Winter Admissions Cycle (High School Students to Advanced AET and MATA)
The winter cycle opens in late November and serves current high school students applying to Advanced AET or MATA.
- Advanced AET: Open to current 10th graders only in LCPS
- MATA: Open to eligible high school students; admission is lottery-based
How to Apply
All applications are submitted through the LCPS GO portal. Students log into LCPS GO and navigate to the Student Opportunities icon to find and submit their application. There is no paper application process.
Important: The application itself is straightforward — the preparation that matters happens before you apply. Your STEM test score, Writing Assessment performance, and academic record are what determine the outcome.
The Admissions Process — What Actually Matters
The ACL admissions process is designed to be transparent and objective. There are exactly three factors that determine admission to AOS and AET — nothing more.
STEM Thinking Skills Assessment
A standardized test scored on a scale of 260 to 300, measuring critical reasoning, algebraic reasoning, spatial relational thinking, tech logic, and scientific thinking. This is the primary quantitative measure in the admissions process.
Writing Assessment
A timed writing task that evaluates a student's ability to construct a well-organized, evidence-based response. Scores reflect argument quality, use of evidence, organizational clarity, and grammar/mechanics.
Academic Record
Grades and math enrollment are reviewed. Your current math level matters — students enrolled in higher-level math courses demonstrate stronger quantitative readiness. Report card grades across core subjects are also considered.
What Does NOT Matter in ACL Admissions
- Teacher recommendations — not accepted and not part of the evaluation
- Extracurricular activities — clubs, sports, competitions are not reviewed
- Personal essays or statements — not part of the process
- Outside materials of any kind — admissions will not accept supplemental submissions
The process is completely blind. Evaluators do not see student names, schools, or demographic information at any point during the review. Decisions are based solely on the three factors above.
STEM Thinking Skills Assessment Deep Dive
The STEM Thinking Skills Assessment is created by Insight Assessment and is the centerpiece of the ACL admissions evaluation for AOS and AET applicants. Understanding what this test measures — and what it does not — is critical to effective preparation.
Scoring
The assessment is scored on a scale of 260 to 300. Scores reflect overall performance across five measured domains. There is no penalty for guessing.
Five Measured Domains
Format and Rules
- Question type: Multiple choice
- Calculator: Not allowed
- Time limit: The test is time-limited; pacing is important
- Content: This is not a knowledge test — it measures reasoning ability and analytical thinking across STEM-related domains
How It Is Weighted
The STEM Thinking Skills Assessment carries significant weight in the admissions decision. While the exact weighting formula is not publicly disclosed, the test score is widely understood to be the most influential single factor in determining admission to AOS and AET. A strong test score can elevate an otherwise average application; a weak test score is very difficult to overcome with other factors alone.
Preparation matters. The STEM Assessment tests reasoning patterns that can be practiced and improved. Students who familiarize themselves with the question types and practice under timed conditions consistently perform better. Our self-paced course and small group coaching cover all five domains in depth.
Writing Assessment
The Writing Assessment is the second major evaluative component of ACL admissions. It is administered alongside the STEM test during the fall testing window.
What to Expect
Students receive a prompt and must produce a clear, organized, evidence-based written response within a set time limit. The prompt typically requires students to analyze information, take a position, or construct an argument supported by evidence.
How It Is Scored
Writing responses are evaluated by trained scorers using a rubric that assesses multiple dimensions of writing quality. The scoring is blind — evaluators do not know the identity, school, or any other identifying information about the student.
Key Skills Tested
- Argument construction — ability to develop and sustain a clear central claim
- Evidence use — effective selection and integration of supporting details
- Organization — logical structure with clear transitions between ideas
- Grammar and mechanics — command of standard written English conventions
How to Prepare
The Writing Assessment rewards students who can think clearly under pressure and organize their ideas quickly. Effective preparation includes:
- Practicing timed writing responses (aim for 3-5 practice sessions minimum)
- Learning a reliable essay structure that works under time constraints
- Practicing with varied prompt types — analytical, argumentative, and evaluative
- Getting feedback from instructors on practice responses to identify weak points
- Reading analytical writing to internalize strong argument patterns
Advanced AET & MATA (Winter Track)
The winter admissions cycle serves two programs with very different admissions processes. Understanding the distinction is important.
Advanced AET
Advanced AET is designed for students who want to join the Academy of Engineering and Technology later in their high school career. Key details:
- Eligibility: Current 10th graders only enrolled in Loudoun County Public Schools
- Evaluation criteria: PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores plus the Writing Assessment
- Important: Advanced AET applicants do NOT take the STEM Thinking Skills Assessment — standardized college-readiness test scores are used instead
- Timeline: Application opens in late November; results follow a separate schedule from the fall cycle
Common misconception: Many families assume Advanced AET uses the same STEM test as AOS/AET admissions. It does not. Advanced AET relies on PSAT/SAT/ACT scores and the Writing Assessment.
MATA (Monroe Advanced Technical Academy)
MATA admissions has shifted to a lottery-based system for students who meet baseline eligibility criteria. This is a significant change from previous years.
- No resume submission — not part of the process
- No Naviance submission — not required
- No career goals essay — not evaluated
- No committee review — the lottery determines admission among eligible applicants
Eligible students who apply are entered into the lottery. Meeting the baseline criteria and submitting the application on time is what matters — the selection itself is random among the eligible pool.
AOS vs AET — Choosing the Right Program
Since students can apply to both AOS and AET in the same admissions cycle, families often ask which program is the better fit. Here is a framework for thinking about it.
Academy of Science (AOS)
Best for students who are:
- Deeply interested in scientific research and discovery
- Excited by laboratory work and data analysis
- Looking to pursue AP sciences at a high level
- Interested in conducting independent research (years 3-4)
- Considering careers in medicine, research science, biotech, or related fields
Academy of Engineering & Technology (AET)
Best for students who are:
- Drawn to building, designing, and creating things
- Interested in computer science, coding, or cybersecurity
- Excited by engineering problem-solving and prototyping
- Considering careers in engineering, software, IT, or entrepreneurship
- Attracted to project-based, hands-on learning
The Dual Application Strategy
There is no downside to applying to both programs. Students who apply to both AOS and AET take the same STEM test and Writing Assessment — no additional testing is required. Applying to both maximizes your chances of admission to at least one program.
If accepted to both, you choose which to attend. If accepted to one but not the other, the decision is made for you. Either way, applying to both is almost always the right move.
Decision Framework
Ask your student these questions:
- Do you prefer labs and research, or building and creating? Research-oriented students lean AOS; builders lean AET.
- What subjects excite you most? Biology, chemistry, and physics enthusiasm points to AOS. Computer science, engineering design, and technology points to AET.
- What does your ideal career look like? Medical researcher, scientist, or data analyst? AOS. Software engineer, entrepreneur, or IT professional? AET.
- Are you interested in independent research? AOS offers a structured independent research component in years 3-4 that is a hallmark of the program.
Timeline & Key Dates
The ACL admissions process follows a predictable annual cycle. While exact dates shift slightly each year, the general timeline remains consistent.
Fall Cycle (AOS and AET — 8th Graders)
| Period | Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring / Summer | Begin preparation. Review STEM Assessment domains, practice writing, and ensure math enrollment is on track (Algebra I minimum). This is the ideal time to start a prep course. |
| September | Application window opens on LCPS GO. Submit your application promptly — do not wait until the deadline. |
| October - November | STEM Thinking Skills Assessment and Writing Assessment are administered. Testing takes place at designated LCPS locations during this window. |
| December - February | Review period. Admissions teams evaluate test scores, writing responses, and academic records using the blind review process. |
| Early March | Results released (before spring break). Students receive notification of acceptance, waitlist placement, or non-admission. |
| March | Accept or decline your offer. Waitlisted students may receive offers as accepted students decline. |
Winter Cycle (Advanced AET and MATA)
| Period | Activity |
|---|---|
| Late November | Winter cycle application opens for Advanced AET (10th graders) and MATA (eligible high school students). |
| December - January | Application deadline and evaluation period. Advanced AET applicants submit standardized test scores (PSAT/SAT/ACT) and complete the Writing Assessment. |
| Late Winter / Early Spring | Results released for Advanced AET and MATA lottery outcomes. |
Plan ahead: The most common mistake families make is starting preparation too late. Ideally, students begin preparing in the spring or summer before the fall admissions cycle — giving 4-6 months to build skills across all assessed domains.