I have the distinct honor of serving as the Principal of the Academy for Information Technology. The Academy for Information Technology is a small, four-year, career academy that fosters critical thinking skills in its culturally diverse student population. AIT’s culture is deeply rooted in the belief that through curiosity, hard work, and ethical behavior, all things are possible. Our rigorous curriculum that is carefully coupled with opportunities for personal choice.  

In 2013, AIT was named a National Blue Ribbon School. U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly included AIT among America’s Best High Schools, most recently ranking AIT as #9 among New Jersey High Schools and #13 in STEM High Schools. Most recently, the Academy for Information Technology was identified by Niche as the Tenth Best Public High School in NJ.

Working closely with an Advisory Board of industry experts, we have developed a curriculum around the philosophy that technological expertise shares a deep connection with business. Our four-year program allows our students to experience meaningful learning opportunities in both of these areas. AIT’s students are consistently called upon to evaluate issues and create solutions through projects requiring the application of the proficiencies acquired in their business and technology courses. 
 
AIT’s technology courses focus on the development and application of technology in the business environment, primarily, productivity software, operating systems, database design and development, and computer programming. AIT students benefit from a partnership with the Oracle Corporation and has been designated as an Oracle Academy. All AIT students earn industry-recognized certifications in their time at AIT. Included among these are each of the IC3 Certifications, the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification, Comp TIA IT Fundamentals, Oracle 11g SQL, and Java Programming. AIT is honored to have been named an Oracle Academy of Distinction by the Oracle Corporation. 

AIT business courses are designed to prepare students for future study in business management and global finance.  Business Intelligence and Analytics, and Global Financial Markets offer an exciting opportunities for our students to explore markets financial markets and trends from across the World. 

Outside of class time and after school, students have access to our Fitness Center and a variety of intramural sports, allowing students to learn, participate, and succeed in extracurricular activities that will enhance their education and social progression. More than an athletic competition, the intramural program offers instruction to students on how to improve upon their skills in the chosen activity. The program consists of two seasons of team sports activities.

AIT is home to a vibrant chapter of FBLA as well as a Coding Club, where student created workshops foster exploration of ideas. Opportunities available to students include: Art Club; Chess Club; Dance Club; Debate Club; Drama Club; FFA; Gay/Straight Alliance; Intramurals; Math League; Multi-Cultural Club; Music Club; National Honor Society; Newspaper Club; Relay for Life; Robotics; Skills USA; Science Club; Spanish Honor Society; Student Government; Technology Student Association; and Yearbook.

Students are supported by a dedicated faculty and through a low student to counselor ratio. Our faculty actively participates in the development and implementation of Strategic Planning Action Plans. This year, teachers are working collaboratively to implement a student eportfolio; to improve student presentation skills through consistent feedback; and to infuse technology and business learning into all courses.

AIT graduates have achieved success at colleges and universities throughout the World. AIT benefits from an ongoing articulation agreement with the New Jersey Institute of Technology that allows AIT students choosing to attend NJIT upon graduation to receive full college credit for numerous AIT courses.

The volunteer efforts of our parents help to make AIT a true community. The AIT Parent Organization (PSSO) plans special events, and provide an organized venue for parents to have direct feedback into the programs we offer. AIT parent volunteers serve as chaperones for field trips and competitions; mentors to our students; and active members of our Industry Advisory Board. 

We could not be the School we are without each and every member of our community. As we open our doors for another year, I could not be more excited to see our students Achieve Impossible Things. 

Best,

Paul DeFrancesco

Proud Principal, AIT