ETIC

Montverde Academy students are immersed in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through our curriculum and in ETIC’s dedicated spaces, which provide them with more opportunities to explore, plan, collaborate and fabricate prototypes. This center is the hub for innovative thinking and exploration, promoting student involvement in design, robotics, computer coding, 3D printing, engineering, video production, digital photography, and gaming.

Robotics

The robotics program combines in-class curriculum with hands-on learning and teamwork–preparing students for greater success in the classroom and beyond.

The in-depth STEAM curriculum features two nationally-recognized leagues: VEX and FIRST robotics. Students gain experience in the evolving mechatronic engineering industry through program-specific courses, learn multiple programming languages, compete on state and national teams, and build mechanical and computer engineering skills.

The Academy’s competitive robotics teams have placed and won at local, regional, state, and national levels.

Media Arts

This immersive program incorporates film/video production, new media, and digital photography in a professionally outfitted studio loaded with resources. Led by digital media, film, and photography experts, this dynamic program starts with foundational knowledge and advances to the development of technical skills using industry-standard equipment and software. Students will write, produce, direct, and publish their own material using various media for peer review, boosting originality, self-confidence, critical thinking, and encouraging professional work ethic.

Digital Photography

Students in Digital Photography classes learn a variety of skills from which they build from level I to level II classes that include composition, lighting, foreground/midground/background, focal length, focusing, and determination of proper settings for multiple photography styles such as photojournalism, macro, product, and portrait photography techniques. Projects are then published in our yearbook and websites that allow our digital photography students to add to their resumes as accomplished and published photographers. The Digital Photography lab space has a variety of backgrounds, materials, and space to allow for experimentation in the learning process providing practical experience that supports their developing talents.

Technology

Students learn the essentials of block-based programming and transition seamlessly to text-based programming on popular platforms such as Scratch, Python, and Unity to create apps, develop websites, and learn how to make computers and 3D printers work together to put their design into practice.

Montverde Academy students begin their technology studies in the Lower School and are offered Advanced Placement® classes and STEM Study Area Concentration tracks for those interested in pursuing a career in Computer Science.

Writing Center

The Writing Center is a dynamic space dedicated to honing the craft of writing through a process-focused approach. Students embark on a journey of exploration and refinement, guided by mentors and resources designed to nurture their writing skills.

Whether it’s the production of our award-winning yearbook, an essay for English class, a personal statement for college applications, or a creative piece, our Writing Center is here to instill confidence and a deeper appreciation for the writing process. It’s not just about producing great writing—it’s about nurturing passionate, skilled writers ready to thrive in any endeavor they pursue.

Engineering Design Lab and Lower School Maker Spaces

The Engineering Design Lab (EDL) is made up of several areas within ETIC that encourages students to collaborate, design, fabricate and share ideas.

Fabrication Lab and Design Zone

Students are invited to safely use the correct tools and materials to construct and build their designs and construct prototypes. The Fab Lab includes power tools, Raspberry Pi and Arduino components, circuitry, 3D printers, X-Carve equipment, sewing machines, and hand tools that one would find in a traditional woodshop.

Engineering Loft

One feature of the Engineering Loft is the Collaboration Zone, which is outfitted with innovative technology and flexible furniture to enhance the collaborative project experiences. Another feature is the Robotics Zone. Here students get hands-on experience building and programming robots of all shapes and sizes. The Loft has two arenas and areas where student robotic teams can build and test prototypes and collaborate on competition strategy.

Makerspace

Lower School students have their own makerspace that includes a wide variety of developmentally appropriate materials providing these students with a hands-on experience that inspires their creative problem-solving to support their classroom challenges.