The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE), a groundbreaking and pioneering institution, stands as the first public residential magnet high school in the United States dedicated exclusively to the fields of cyber technology and engineering. Located in North Alabama, ASCTE provides an unparalleled educational experience by seamlessly integrating cutting-edge cyber and engineering concepts into every aspect of its curriculum.

Serving high school students from across Alabama with its tuition-free, forward-thinking educational experience, ASCTE represents a bold step in addressing the nation’s critical need for highly skilled professionals in the cyber and engineering sectors. 

Focused on ensuring its graduates are equipped for success, ASCTE’s expert faculty includes leaders in industry and academia, providing top-tier instruction in areas like technical writing, social engineering, and even drone racing.

The school’s curriculum combines rigorous academics with real-world applications, creating a dynamic learning environment for its student body of over 300, including 120 who live on campus as residential students. 

Transformative Opportunities that Lead to Success 

ASCTE’s graduates consistently attribute their success to the education and experiences they received at the school. With its unparalleled focus on academics and practical applications, ASCTE sets the stage for students to explore STEM fields deeper, gain work-readiness skills, and establish strong connections within the industry.

Kyra Richardson, an ASCTE alum now studying Integrative Biology at Harvard University, describes the school as instrumental in shaping her career readiness and outlook. “A teacher at my middle school told me about ASCTE, and I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” she recalls.

“My time there exposed me to career fields I didn’t know existed before high school. The skills I gained in my cyber and engineering classes are skills I use even now as a Python coding teacher for middle school students worldwide. Without ASCTE, I wouldn’t have the confidence I now have in computer science.” 

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Similarly, Jackson Van Rider, who attended ASCTE from 2021 to 2024, calls his experience “life-changing.” Now a student at Tufts University studying international relations and economics, Van Rider reflects on his time as a residential student with gratitude. “I came from a high school that didn’t have the resources to help students succeed. ASCTE was unlike anything I’d seen; it was a breath of fresh air. I found myself engaged, learning, and challenged in ways that helped me realize my potential.” 

Javen Bies-Dupree, a sophomore at the University of Alabama and a member of ASCTE’s inaugural graduating class, notes that ASCTE went far beyond typical high school experiences.

“During my time at ASCTE, I interned with Raytheon and the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, gaining invaluable real-world experience before even graduating high school. That hands-on exposure helped me refine my career goals and explore diverse career paths.” 

Residential Life Prepares Students Beyond the Classroom 

For many students, the decision to live on campus adds a layer of personal growth to the ASCTE experience. Residential life offers unmatched preparation for the independence and discipline required in college and careers. 

“I learned so much about maturity and responsibility as a boarding student,” Van Rider, originally from the Mobile area, shares. You have to develop discipline and accountability on your own.” 

Richardson, a Florence native, echoes the sentiment, adding that living on campus helped her adapt seamlessly to university life at Harvard. “The boarding experience helped me grow as a person,” she says. “It taught me what it means to be a good roommate and prepared me for being away from home. 

“The family I found at ASCTE made all the difference.” 

Bies-Dupree, from Central Alabama, also highlights how living on campus shaped his perspective. “From effective communication to conflict resolution, I developed critical life skills during my time as a residential student. Those lessons stay with me to this day.” 

Enrollment Now Open for 2025-2026 

For students ready to explore a future in cyber technology and engineering, ASCTE offers a rare chance to join a program that prioritizes innovation and excellence.

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 school year, with a submission deadline of February 7, 2025. 

To learn more about ASCTE’s admissions process, academics, and residential life, visit https://www.ascte.org/admissions.