Technology & Innovation

In an ever-evolving world, we know technology and innovation are two important keys to a bright future for our students. At Commonwealth Academy, we prepare students for the future by not only equipping them with the contemporary skills they need to thrive in today’s world but also by introducing them to innovative and explorative technologies that will assist them in exploring many different career paths — many of which may not even yet exist.

Technology is not simply something we use, it is at the core of who we are and the experiences we deliver for our students. Our assistive technologies, available both at and outside of school, are provided to the entirety of our community and contribute to our students’ love for learning and innovation. At CA, we leverage technology to enhance student learning and encourage the many bright minds in our classrooms to:

• Engage meaningfully with content and other subject-matter

• Be brave and inquisitive in their quest for knowledge

• Constantly question what comes next

• Establish partnerships to create unique solutions to complex problems

If technology and innovation are keys to the future, it is safe to say that a CA education is the actual opening of the proverbial door.

Students in Grades 5 through 8 are each provided with their school-issued Chromebooks, equipped with the latest advanced technologies such as the Lenovo Thinkpad tablet mode and USI pens/styluses. Students also receive comprehensive instruction that covers foundational to advanced Google Workspace skills, navigating cloud environments, creating written works and multimedia pieces, and much more. "CA student laptops in grades 5-8 are continuously monitored with software to ensure our younger students are using their screens healthily and safely during school hours."

In Grades 9 through 12, students bring their own preferred devices to school and have access to onsite computing and other technological resources. Students have access to a variety of resources through their student accounts and Chromium browser. They also have access to in-depth and developmentally appropriate courses on the Microsoft Office Suite and CAD software, including the entire AutoDesk Suite.

In 2022, we expanded our advanced technology offerings through the acquisition of high-powered computers and virtual reality devices. As of 2022, virtual reality headsets with “inside-out” scanning capabilities are available to CA faculty members and students. These headsets provide an immersive educational experience and a fun way to engage in multi-dimensional learning.

Students also engage in meaningful, out-of-the-box learning in our state-of-the-art computer labs, which offer access to both Windows and Apple devices. This learning is accelerated by participation in CA’s many Esports programs, which, over the years, have inspired students with a range of skill levels to:

• Compete

• Develop strategic approaches to challenges

• Grow teamwork and communication skills

• Commit to continuous improvement through regular and structured practice; and

• Become experts in Fusion360, Minecraft, Inventor, Tinkercad, Rocket League, Overwatch, and League of Legends (accessed via our NVIDIA 3060ti-powered computers)