2006, and 2007. Magnet Schools of America recognized A-TECH as a School of Distinction in 2008. U.S. News & World Report selected A-TECH as a Silver Medal Winner of America's Best High Schools in 2008. A-TECH was recognized, for the second time, with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education on September 15, 2011. A-TECH was recognized, for the third time, with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education on September 26, 2019. Notable visitors Since its opening in 1994, A-TECH has received several notable visitors. In 1996, Al Gore visited A-TECH to spotlight it as an example of how computer technology can enhance education. After receiving the Blue Ribbon School award, Laura Bush visited the school in 2004 and had a round table discussion with many members of the staff and student body. The school has also been visited by Louis Castle, cofounder of Westwood Studios. In recognition to the school's recent nomination as one of the top five magnet schools in the United States, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush visited the school in 2014. Former President Bill Clinton spoke at the school on January 21, 2016 to bolster support in Nevada for his wife, Hillary Clinton, who was angling for the Democratic presidential nomination. Olympic gold medalist Connor Fields spoke at the school's public speaking class during the week of December 10, 2018 to December 14, 2018. Notable faculty members Notable A-TECH faculty have included: Richard Knoeppel (Architectural Design) has received the following recognition: Heart of Education award recipient, 2019 Named 2019 Nevada Teacher of the Year Inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2019 Mike Patterson (Mathematics), Milken Educator Award recipient in 2009 John Snyder (Computer Science) has received the following awards: Milken Educator Award recipient in 1992 Dolly Parton presented him with the Chasing Rainbows Award in 2003. Inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2007 Valarie Young (World History), 2005 recipient of the Milken Educator Award References External links Advanced Technologies Academy Clark County School District Magnet schools in Nevada Educational institutions established in 1994 High schools in Las Vegas School buildings completed in 1994 1994 establishments in Nevada Public high schools in Nevada