Engineering Program FAQ
Common questions about the PLTW engineering program at Riverside High School.
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nationally recognized pre-engineering curriculum used in thousands of schools across the country. It provides hands-on, project-based learning in engineering and computer science, preparing students for college and careers in STEM fields.
The engineering program is a magnet program within Durham Public Schools. Students apply through the DPS magnet lottery, typically during the winter application window. Both in-district and out-of-district students may apply. There is no entrance exam or GPA requirement to apply.
No! The program is designed to start from the beginning. Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) assumes no prior knowledge. Students with a curiosity about how things work and a willingness to solve problems will thrive.
Students complete three foundation courses — Introduction to Engineering Design (IED, typically 9th grade), Principles of Engineering (POE, typically 10th grade), and Digital Electronics (DE, typically 11th grade) — plus at least one specialty course such as Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering & Architecture, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, or one of the computer science courses. Students also take all standard academic courses. See the Course Descriptions page for details.
Yes. Students who perform well on PLTW end-of-course assessments may be eligible for college credit at PLTW affiliate colleges and universities nationwide. The amount of credit varies by institution.
PLTW engineering prepares students for a wide range of engineering and STEM careers including mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace, biomedical, environmental, and software engineering. The skills learned (problem-solving, design thinking, collaboration, technical communication) are valuable in any career path.
Not at all. While many graduates pursue engineering degrees, the problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills are valuable in any field. Alumni have gone on to study business, medicine, law, architecture, and many other disciplines.
Students use industry-standard software including Onshape (3D modeling), Autodesk Revit (architecture/building design), and various simulation and testing tools. Software licenses are provided through the school and PLTW.
Transfer availability depends on open seats and the student's ability to catch up on prerequisite courses. Contact the RHS guidance office for transfer inquiries.
Yes. The Career and College Promise program at Durham Technical Community College (DTCC) provides an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to take college classes at no charge. For more information, see the College and Career Readiness page on the REPAC website.
The National Technical Honor Society honors the achievements of top CTE students, provides scholarships to encourage the pursuit of higher education, and cultivates excellence in today's highly competitive, skilled workforce.
There are four criteria considered when selecting students for the Riverside High School chapter:
- Teacher recommendation
- Overall GPA of 3.0
- Student has taken three CTE classes
- Average of 90 in combined CTE classes
DPS uses a 10-point grading scale:
- A (90–100%) = 4.0
- B (80–89%) = 3.0
- C (70–79%) = 2.0
- D (60–69%) = 1.0
- F (59% or lower) = 0.0
Apply the grading scale above to the final grade in each class to determine total quality points. Divide that total by the number of classes taken to get the unweighted GPA.
A weighted GPA takes into account whether courses are Honors or AP/PLTW level. For honors courses, 0.5 points are added to the grade value. For AP and PLTW courses, 1.0 point is added.
For example: a student earning a 94% in Principles of Engineering (POE) receives 4.0 points for the grade plus 1.0 for PLTW, for a course value of 5.0. A 94% in an honors course would earn 4.0 + 0.5 = 4.5. After the extra points are added, a simple average across all courses is computed to determine the weighted GPA.