What Are the Academies of Loudoun?
The Academies of Loudoun (ACL) are a collection of three distinct academic programs 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)
AET offers four 9th-grade pathways for students interested in applied STEM fields:
- Engineering
- Entrepreneurship + Engineering
- Entrepreneurship + IT
- IT
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 25 pathways (17 one-year and 8 two-year), 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 a writing assessment and an admission test. MATA applicants who meet the eligibility requirements are admitted by lottery only when qualified applicants outnumber the seats.
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: 8th graders who live in Loudoun County, including public, private, and homeschool students
- Prerequisites: Enrolled in Algebra I or higher, with a final grade of C or higher in all Grade 6 and 7 math and science courses, Grade 8 Math (Semester 1), and Grade 8 Science (Quarter 2)
- Application window: August 24 to October 15, 2026 at 12:00 noon. The application only counts once a parent or guardian approves it in ParentVUE by the deadline.
- Test date: November 12, 2026, during the school day at every LCPS middle school (private and homeschool applicants test at the Academies of Loudoun)
- Offers: February to March 2027
- Two programs, two applications: Students can apply to both AOS and AET in the same cycle, but each needs its own application
Winter Admissions Cycle (High School Students to Advanced AET and MATA)
The winter window runs December 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 at 12:00 noon and serves current high school students applying to Advanced AET or MATA.
- Advanced AET: Open to current 10th or 11th graders
- MATA: Open to eligible students entering grades 11 and 12 (10th grade for Introduction to Health & Medical Science); a lottery is used only when qualified applicants outnumber seats
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, but it only counts once a parent or guardian approves it in ParentVUE by the deadline. After that, the Writing Assessment and the admission test are what matter.
The Admissions Process — What Actually Matters
The ACL admissions process is designed to be transparent and objective. For AOS and AET, LCPS lists two assessed components plus an eligibility check on grades. Nothing else is accepted.
Academies of Loudoun Admission Test
The 2026 test is given on November 12, 2026. LCPS has not published its length, score scale, or vendor. In past cycles it was the STEM Thinking Skills Test, which measured algebraic reasoning, spatial relational thinking, tech logic, and scientific thinking.
Writing Assessment
A 30-minute writing task scored from 0 to 10 on five indicators. LCPS says grammar, spelling, and syntax will not count against the student.
Grades (Eligibility Check)
Applicants must be enrolled in Algebra I or higher and have a final grade of C or higher in the required math and science courses. Grades are an eligibility gate, not a scored factor.
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 on the published criteria above.
Admission Test Deep Dive
For 2026, LCPS calls the test the 2026 Academies of Loudoun Admission Test. It is the main assessed component for AOS and AET applicants, alongside the Writing Assessment.
What LCPS Has and Has Not Published
In past cycles, LCPS used the STEM Thinking Skills Test from Insight Assessment: 33 multiple-choice questions in 50 minutes, according to the LCPS admissions FAQ as archived in 2024. Insight Assessment reports that test on a 260 to 300 scale. For 2026, LCPS calls it the Academies of Loudoun Admission Test and has not published its length, score scale, or vendor, so treat the past format as a guide, not a guarantee. LCPS also says there are no benchmarks or minimum scores.
Five Domains From the Past Format
Format and Rules
- Question type: Multiple choice, taken online (LCPS admissions FAQ)
- Calculator: Not permitted, per the LCPS admissions FAQ
- Time limit: Timed; LCPS has not published the 2026 length, so pacing practice matters
- Content: This is not a knowledge test — it measures reasoning ability and analytical thinking across STEM-related domains
How It Is Weighted
LCPS does not publish how the admission test and the Writing Assessment are weighted, and it says there are no benchmarks or minimum scores. Prepare for both.
Preparation matters. The admission test assesses 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 assessed component of ACL admissions. It is administered alongside the admission test.
What to Expect
Students receive a prompt and write a clear, organized response. LCPS's released 2026-27 writing materials give 30 minutes (earlier cycles listed 45 minutes). LCPS also says grammar, spelling, and syntax will not count against the student.
How It Is Scored
Responses are scored from 0 to 10: five indicators worth 0 to 2 points each (Questioning/Processing, Information Gathering/Analysis, Fluency/Originality, Presentation/Reasoning, and Point of View/Perspective). 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
- Point of view: a clear perspective the reader can follow
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: 10th or 11th graders enrolled in or finished with Math Analysis, AP Precalculus, Precalculus DE, or AP Calculus AB (students in or past AP Calculus BC are not eligible), with 2 science credits by the end of 10th grade and a C or above in all grade 9 and Semester 1 grade 10 courses
- Evaluation criteria: PSAT (or SAT/ACT) scores plus a writing assessment; pathways are Engineering or IT
- Important: Advanced AET applicants do NOT take the 8th-grade admission test. PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores are used instead
- Timeline: Application window December 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 at 12:00 noon; the Advanced AET test date is January 23, 2027
Common misconception: Many families assume Advanced AET uses the same admission test as 8th-grade AOS/AET admissions. It does not. Advanced AET relies on PSAT/SAT/ACT scores and the Writing Assessment.
MATA (Monroe Advanced Technical Academy)
MATA offers 25 pathways (17 one-year and 8 two-year) for students in grades 11 and 12. Introduction to Health & Medical Science is the exception: it is a 10th-grade pathway.
- Math: Algebra I or above
- GPA: Minimum 2.0 (3.0 for some dual-enrollment pathways)
- Graduation: On track to graduate on time
- Age: CNA and EMT pathways require students to be 16 by August 19, 2027
LCPS uses a lottery only when qualified applicants outnumber the seats in a pathway. Meeting the requirements and applying on time is what matters.
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
Each program needs its own application, so a student who wants both must submit two. Both programs use the same Writing Assessment and admission test. Students can attend only 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
These are the dates LCPS has published for the 2026-27 cycle. In past cycles the fall window opened in September and tests ran in October and November (for example, the 2020 window was September 1 to October 23), so older guides may show those dates.
To see how long you have until each date, or to check eligibility for a program, use our free ACL admissions tools.
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. |
| Aug 24 - Oct 15, 2026 | Application window (closes at 12:00 noon on October 15). A parent or guardian must approve the application in ParentVUE by the deadline. |
| November 12, 2026 | Writing Assessment and Academies of Loudoun Admission Test, during the school day at every LCPS middle school. Private and homeschool applicants test at the Academies of Loudoun. |
| December - February | Review period. Admissions teams evaluate test scores and writing responses using the blind review process. |
| Feb - Mar 2027 | Offers sent. Students receive notification of acceptance, waitlist placement, or non-admission. |
| Through Aug 2027 | Accept or decline your offer. The waitlist stays active until the first day of school. |
Winter Cycle (Advanced AET and MATA)
| Period | Activity |
|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2026 - Jan 15, 2027 | Winter application window (closes at 12:00 noon) for Advanced AET (10th or 11th graders) and MATA. |
| January 23, 2027 | Advanced AET test date. Applicants also submit PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores. |
| Late Winter / Early Spring | Results released for Advanced AET and MATA. |
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.