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Appoquinimink Pathways

School of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math

The STEM school includes four catalog-defined pathways: Aerospace, Computer Science (PLTW), Engineering (PLTW), and Science.

Source of record: 2030 High School Course Catalog
The School of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math is designed for students who want to solve complex problems, work with emerging technology, and prepare for higher education or early careers in high-demand technical fields.

Aerospace

Aerospace uses the AOPA high school aviation STEM curriculum to introduce students to crewed and uncrewed aviation, flight systems, simulators, and capstone projects tied to FAA-aligned outcomes.

Potential Careers

  • Pilot
  • Drone operator
  • Aerospace technician
  • Air traffic control support
  • Airport management professional
  • Flight systems engineer

Pathway Highlights

  • Pilot and UAS track options
  • Nationally recognized AOPA curriculum
  • Preparation for FAA Private Pilot or Part 107 Remote Pilot certification

Pathway Course Sequence

CourseCodeCreditPrerequisite / Note
Introduction to Aerospace200531 Credit + 3 College CreditsNone listed in catalog.
Basic Aircraft Systems200601 Credit + 3 College CreditsIntroduction to Aerospace
Advanced Aerospace & Flight200611 CreditBasic Aircraft Systems
Aerospace Capstone200621 CreditAdvanced Aerospace & Flight
Advanced UAS Operations200631 CreditBasic Aircraft Systems
UAS Capstone200641 CreditAdvanced UAS Operations
Certifications / Credentials
FAA Private Pilot and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot are listed pathway credentials.
Catalog Note
Students complete the first two courses together, then choose either the Pilot track or the UAS track for the final two pathway courses.

Computer Science (PLTW)

The PLTW Computer Science pathway develops computational thinking, programming, app development, and cybersecurity skills through a structured progression from introductory concepts to advanced capstone work.

Potential Careers

  • Software engineer
  • Computer engineer
  • Business analyst
  • Applications analyst
  • Information technology manager
  • Cybersecurity professional

Pathway Highlights

  • PLTW computer science progression
  • AP Computer Science alignment
  • Senior cybersecurity capstone

Pathway Course Sequence

CourseCodeCreditPrerequisite / Note
Computer Science EssentialsCS4051 CreditNone listed in catalog.
AP Computer Science Principles100191 Credit + 3 College CreditsComputer Science Essentials
AP Computer Science A101571 Credit + 3 College CreditsAP Computer Science Principles
CybersecurityCS5051 Credit + 3 College CreditsAP Computer Science A
College Credit / Advanced Standing
The catalog lists DTCC ITN 101 and ITN 160, Delaware State University CSCI 110 and CSCI 120, University of Delaware CISC 101, and multiple Wilmington University equivalents.

Engineering (PLTW)

The PLTW Engineering pathway introduces students to engineering design, prototyping, systems thinking, and open-ended problem solving through a structured four-course progression.

Potential Careers

  • Mechanical engineer
  • Civil engineer
  • Robotics engineer
  • Electrical engineer
  • Aerospace engineer
  • Industrial materials scientist

Pathway Highlights

  • PLTW engineering design progression
  • Hands-on prototyping and design tools
  • Mentored senior engineering project

Pathway Course Sequence

CourseCodeCreditPrerequisite / Note
Engineering Essentials210061 CreditNone listed in catalog.
Introduction to Engineering Design210171 CreditAlgebra I and Engineering Essentials
Principles of Engineering210181 Credit + 3 College CreditsIntroduction to Engineering Design
Engineering Design & Development210251 Credit + 3 College CreditsPrinciples of Engineering
College Credit / Advanced Standing
The catalog lists DTCC EDD 171 and University of Maryland Eastern Shore EDTE 121.

Science

The Science pathway is an academically flexible lab-science pathway for students who want deeper study in life, physical, and Earth sciences while strengthening inquiry, modeling, research, and evidence-based communication.

Potential Careers

  • Research scientist
  • Meteorologist
  • Physicist
  • Pharmacist
  • Medical professional
  • Climatologist

Pathway Highlights

  • Flexible four-course science design
  • Strong lab and inquiry emphasis
  • Advanced options including AP, research, and specialized science electives

Pathway Course Sequence

CourseCodeCreditPrerequisite / Note
Choose four advanced science coursesVariesVariesBuilt with counselor guidance after the core science sequence.
Common options listed in the catalogExamples1 Credit eachMay include Anatomy & Physiology, Biology II, Chemistry, Environmental Science, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics I, Gene Editing, Honors Scientific Research, or Forensic Science.
Catalog Note
The catalog treats Science as a flexible top-level pathway. Forensic Science remains an available science option in the catalog, but it is no longer presented as a separate standalone pathway page.