Admiral Farragut Academy Aviation Program to Add and Implement AOPA's New Aviation STEM Curriculum

Admiral Farragut Academy, a private boarding and day school for PreK-12th-grade students, has been offering Aviation courses since 1987. What began as an elective, became a full Aviation Program in 2007 with Private Pilot license training for students in 9th-12th grade at an additional cost. This year, Farragut joins 69 other schools and adding the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associations (AOPA) high school aviation science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum.

Saint Petersburg, FL, June 14, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Admiral Farragut Academy (Farragut), a private boarding and day school for PreK-12th grade students, has been offering Aviation courses since 1987. What began as an elective, became a full Aviation Program in 2007 with Private Pilot license training for students in 9th-12th grade at an additional cost. This year, Farragut continues to advance its Aviation Program by joining 69 other schools and adding the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associations (AOPA) high school aviation science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum in the 2018-2019 school year.

“We have used AOPA’s online educational resources for years both in our Aviation Academy and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Dual Enrollment course,” said Rob Ewing, Director of the Aviation Program at Farragut. “I am always striving to improve the overall course offerings to our students, and by adding this coursework we join a larger aviation community driven to provide the best possible Aviation/STEM education for students that attend Admiral Farragut Academy.”

AOPA’s aviation STEM curriculum is the first-of-its-kind, and will offer students comprehensive, four-year aviation study options aligned with rigorous math and science standards used in many states nationwide. The program aims to provide students the skills they need to learn about aviation-related career and educational opportunities.

AOPA is developing these courses as part of three career and technical education (CTE) pathways: pilot, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), and aerospace engineering.

Each year, AOPA will release subsequent courses until all four high school grade levels of the curriculum are complete. The curriculum will be provided to schools at no cost. Donors to the AOPA Foundation fund development and distribution of the curriculum, as well as other initiatives of the You Can Fly program.

According to a 2017 Boeing study, there’s a growing demand for aviation industry jobs, and it’s not slowing down. 637,000 commercial aircraft pilots; 648,000 technicians; and 839,000 cabin crew members are needed globally within the next 20 years. (https://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/pilot-technician-outlook) “With an unprecedented demand for careers in aviation, we are thrilled that so many high schools are utilizing our STEM curriculum to inspire students and give them the skills to pursue future careers in aerospace,” said AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker. “Planting the seeds for the future workforce of our industry is part of AOPA’s mission to keep aviation vibrant. We are grateful to the AOPA Foundation donors who make such programs possible. Their generosity is helping us make a difference in the lives of thousands of youth and to spur interest in aviation.”

Over the past 12 months, AOPA tested the ninth-grade curriculum in nearly 30 schools with more than 700 students, before unveiling the program. The courses are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and includes all the resources teachers will need. Lesson plans, presentations, assessments, and other learning opportunities will be taught as rigorous, engaging, and fun student activities.

Before implementing the curriculum, Farragut’s Aviation Instructors are required and will participate in a three-day professional development workshop at AOPA headquarters in Frederick, MD to gain a deeper understanding of the materials, learn about available resources, and network with other aviation educators.

About Farragut
Admiral Farragut Academy is a college-prep, private school which serves students in PreK-12th grade and is located in St. Petersburg, Florida with a waterfront campus. Our Upper School, which starts in 8th grade, is also known worldwide for its Boarding program and Naval Science program’s military structure. Farragut also offers other signature academic programs: Aviation, Scuba, Marine Science, Engineering, Sailing, AP Capstone, and more. The Aviation Program at Farragut was initiated by Eastern Airlines Captain Jose Hercher and expanded and developed by Rob Ewing in 1998. Since, our aviation department has produced professional pilots who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the United States and others who have flown or are flying in the commercial sector. To learn more, visit www.farragut.org.

Media Contact: Jessica Van Curen, Farragut Director of Marketing and Communication, 727-384-5500 ext 266, jvancuren@farragut.org

About AOPA
Since 1939, AOPA has protected the freedom to fly for thousands of pilots, aircraft owners and aviation enthusiasts. AOPA is the world’s largest aviation member association. With representatives based in Frederick, Md., Washington, D.C., and seven regions across the United States, AOPA provides member services that range from advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels to legal services, flight planning products, safety programs and award-winning media. To learn more, visit www.aopa.org.

Media Contact: Joe Kildea, AOPA Senior Director of Communications, 301-695-2159, Joe.Kildea@aopa.org
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Admiral Farragut Academy
Jessica Van Curen
727-384-5500
www.farragut.org
ext. 220
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