PLTW Engineering Program
What is PLTW?
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nationally recognized pre-engineering curriculum that provides students with hands-on, project-based learning experiences. The program is designed to prepare students for college-level engineering coursework and careers in STEM fields.
Riverside High School is one of the premier PLTW engineering programs in Durham Public Schools, offering a full four-year pathway that takes students from foundational engineering concepts through advanced specialization.
Program Structure
The PLTW engineering pathway at Riverside consists of three required foundation courses followed by a required specialty course. Students typically take one foundation course per year in 9th through 11th grade, then choose a specialty course to complete the program.
Foundation Courses (Required)
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
9th grade — Students explore the engineering design process, apply math and science concepts, and use 3D modeling software to design solutions to real-world problems.
Principles of Engineering (POE)
10th grade — A rigorous survey of engineering topics including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design.
Digital Electronics™ (DE)
11th grade — Students study digital circuits, combinational and sequential logic, and are exposed to industry circuit design tools including logic gates, integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices.
Specialty Courses (At Least One Required)
At least one specialty course is required to complete the PLTW program. Students are welcome to take additional specialty courses as scheduling allows.
Aerospace Engineering (AE)
Explore the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight, including airfoil and propulsion design, orbital mechanics, and remotely operated vehicles.
Civil Engineering & Architecture (CEA)
Learn building and site design and development, applying math, science, and engineering practices to design residential and commercial projects using 3-D architectural software.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Explore modern manufacturing through manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation, culminating in a final project to build a factory system.
Computer Science Essentials (CSE)
An entry point for CS learners covering app development, web design, computational thinking, and programming — from block-based coding to Python®.
AP Computer Science Principles (CSP)
Using Python®, students learn coding, data processing, data security, and task automation. Aligned to the AP CSP assessment framework.
AP Computer Science (CSA)
Object-oriented programming and design using Java, covering data structures, algorithms, problem analysis, and the ethical implications of computing systems.
Cybersecurity (SEC)
Students explore secure IT systems, protection against cyber threats, and the ethical impact of cybersecurity, establishing an ethical code of conduct for today’s cyberworld.
College Credit
PLTW students may earn college credit through the PLTW college credit program. Students who score well on the end-of-course assessments can receive credit at PLTW affiliate colleges and universities nationwide. This is a valuable opportunity to get a head start on a college engineering degree.
Meet Our Faculty
Riverside High School's PLTW engineering program is taught by a dedicated team of experienced engineering educators.
Mike Dibble
Computer Science Principles (CSP) & Computer Science A (CSA)
William Oakley
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Ryan Patridge
Digital Electronics (DE)
Drew Byers
Computer Science Essentials (CSE)
Benjamin Drugatz
Principles of Engineering (POE)
Emily Quadrio
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
Admission
Riverside High School's engineering program is a magnet program within Durham Public Schools. Admission is through the DPS lottery process. Students from across the district can apply to attend Riverside for the engineering pathway.
Interested families should watch for the DPS magnet lottery application window, typically in the winter for the following school year.
Freshman Info →