Rising Aviation High School Academic and Aviation Programs
Our comprehensive STEM program is designed to equip students for careers in various industries, with a special focus on aviation and aerospace. Our aviation courses are taught by highly qualified and FAA Certificated Instructors and supported through the delivery of the AOPA High School Aviation STEM Curriculum, a Stem.org Accredited Educational Experience.
Elevate YOUR Student’s Future!
Over the course of their program, your student will be exposed to a multitude of technologies, disciplines, and experiences that most people only dreamed of, or perhaps didn’t even know about.
Our students will grow to understand the importance and need for life-long learning, they’ll develop leadership qualities and expertise, and they’ll acquire scholarly and personal skills that they will carry throughout their life.
You’ll find that our students want to be at school. They log on each day ready to learn in a unique self-paced environment bolstered by individualized instruction.
The curriculum for our academic programs is self-paced and delivered through a computer-based learning management system supplemented by teacher driven lessons, seminars, and small group meetings.
New for 2025-2026: Hybrid Learning Model
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, Rising Aviation High School is introducing an optional hybrid model designed to give students more flexibility in how they learn—while continuing to meet the highest academic standards.
How It Works:
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Core classes can be completed remotely from home, supported by our Learning Management System.
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Students have access to built-in virtual tutoring with live, certified teachers.
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Our in-lab facilitators are available both on campus and online to support students during regular school hours.
In-Person Learning Options:
For students who prefer or need additional support, our Learning Lab on campus is open for two daily sessions:
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Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Afternoon Session: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Students are welcome to attend one or both sessions—or stay on campus for the entire day.
Academic Standards:
To remain in good standing within the hybrid program, students must maintain an average of 85% or higher in all courses.
If a student’s grade drops below 80% in any class, they will be required to return to full-time, on-campus learning until their grades improve.
Pathways and In-Person Requirements
During a student’s freshman and sophomore years, foundational aviation topics will be studied. As mentioned above, students have the option to do this study from home and utilize the on-campus Learning Lab as needed.
As students enter their junior year, they’ll select a pathway in one of the following areas:
- Airplane Pilot Pathway
- Drone Pilot Pathway
- Aviation Maintenance Technology Program
Each pathway includes a mix of hybrid and in-person learning. Students in a pathway are required to attend:
- One designated weekday (varies by pathway)
- Fridays (required for all students)
Fridays are dedicated to hands-on STEM and aviation activites that may include field trips, extracurricular activities, and guest speakers. No virtual coursework will be completed on Fridays.
Aviation Curriculum Overview
Each year students engage with a different aviation curriculum. During their freshman and sophmore years all students will cover the same material, giving them a strong foundation in aviation concepts. As mentioned above, beginning in their junior year students will select a specialized aviation pathway to follow. Below you’ll find an overview of the curriculm for each school year.
Freshman Year - Level 1: Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace
The Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace course teaches students about flying and unmanned aircraft systems. It inspires students to explore careers in aviation and aerospace and prepares them for more advanced courses in the future.
Sophomore Year - Level 2: Introduction to Flight
Students learn the basic principles of flight for aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The course covers aerodynamics, forces of flight, and the main systems found on large and small airplanes and UAS.
Junior Year - Level 3: Aviation Ground School
During their Junior year, students will choose a pathway to study. If they want to fly airplanes, they’ll follow the Airplane Pilot Pathway. If they want to fly drones, they’ll follow the Drone Pilot Pathway. And if they want to explore aerospace engineering, they can follow the maintenance program.
Depending on the student’s pathway, their Aviation Ground School class will focus on 1 of 3 areas:
Private Pilot Pathway
The Private Pilot Pathway aviation curriculum covers a range of topics. This includes pilot and aircraft qualifications, principles of flight, aerodynamics, safety procedures and more.
At the end of the course students will be prepared for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Private Pilot written exam.
Drone Pilot Pathway
The Drone Pathway course introduces students to the basic concepts of unmanned aircraft systems. They’ll cover topics such as regulations, operating requirements, safety protocols, emergency procedures, and more.
At the end of this course students will be prepared to take the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 Remote Pilot written exam.
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Pathway
The Aircraft Maintenance Technology Pathway course introduces students to the basic concepts of aircraft manufacturing, repair, and maintenance. Students in this program are supported and led by the Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum.
In this course students will also have the incredible opportunity to build a Vans RV-12 aircraft as part of their coursework.
Learn More about the Aircraft Maintenance Technology Pathway
Senior Year - Level 4: Practicum in Transportation
During their senior year students will continue through their chosen pathway from the previous school year.
Private Pilot Pathway
In the private pilot pathway students will study advanced aviation topics and explore career options, including instrument flight, commercial aviation, and advanced aircraft systems.
They’ll also study the future of the aerospace industry and learn about business development opportunities in aviation. Then students will conduct research in preparation for their capstone project in the second semester.
Drone Pilot Pathway
In the drone pathway students will explore practical applications of unmanned aircraft systems in a variety of fields such as agriculture, public safety, and photography.
They’ll work individually or in small groups to study and report on an approved aviation topic related to unmanned aircraft operations.
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Pathway
In the maintenance technology pathway students will continue their study of aircraft maintenance including using the Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum.
They’ll utilize virtual reality to deepen their knowledge and continue working as a team to build the Vans RV-12 aircraft.
Advanced Placement (AP) Classes Available
Rising Aviation High School offers a selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses through Edgenuity, giving students the opportunity to experience college-level academics while still in high school.
All AP courses are approved by the College Board and are carefully aligned with AP exam standards to help students prepare for their exams.
Our current AP course offerings include:
- AP U.S. Government and Politics
- AP World History: Modern
- AP Environmental Science
- AP U.S. History
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Statistics
- AP Biology
These courses are available as part of our hybrid model.
Overall, our aviation high school program provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the exciting and rewarding field of aviation. Whether a student wants to become a commercial pilot, or work in the drone industry, our aviation courses provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed when they graduate from high school.
We’re committed to providing a comprehensive and innovative educational experience that prepares our students for a bright future in aviation and beyond.
Listen to Rising Aviation student, Nico, talk about his experience in the program!
Learn more about our Aviation Pathways
Fixed Wing Pilot’s License Program
Rising Aviation High School’s Private Pilot Program is the perfect next step for high school students who want to become pilots. Over the course of this program they’ll gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to earn their FAA Private Pilot Certificate.
Remote Pilot’s License Program
Rising Aviation’s Remote Pilot Program offers your student the opportunity to earn their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate while exploring the high-growth field of drone technology. Led by industry veterans, students will gain hands-on flight experience operating and maintaining drones safely.
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program
Rising Aviation’s Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program offers your student the opportunity to gain practical skills they can use in a future career as an aviation maintenance technician. Students will also have the opportunity to help build a Vans RV-12 aircraft.