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Mechatronics Academy at Volkswagen is a multifaceted learning environment.  Located at the Volkswagen plant, it acts as a launching pad for students to be “ahead of the game” and expedite their higher educational goals while learning in an industrial setting.

Open to upcoming high school juniors and seniors, Mechatronics Academy offers students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma from their home school, up to 36 hours towards an associates degree in Mechatronics, and industry certifications.  Mechatronics Academy supports student achievement by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for post-secondary success.

Mechatronics Academy is a collaboration between Chattanooga State, Volkswagen Group of America, and the Hamilton County Department of Education. Mechatronics Academy offers a unique opportunity for students to pursue post-secondary goals while in high school. Students are expected to maintain a mature, responsible attitude while attaining a higher level of achievement. The Mechatronics Academy Guardian/Student Handbook is designed to be an overview of the procedures and services available on the Chattanooga State campus. We hope you find the information useful as you pursue academic success. The faculty looks forward to working with you during your Mechatronics Academy experience.


Mechatronics Academy students have access to:

  • Special support and mentoring programs.

  • An enriched, rigorous curriculum.

  • State of the art technology and robotics at Volkswagen Academy.

  • Small teacher-student ratio.

Eligibility Criteria

Student Eligibility Criteria:

  1. 11th & 12th grade students with satisfactory attendance and discipline history.
  2. Must have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
  3. Must have passed all high school courses and be on track for graduation.

Application Process

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are closed and will reopen for the 2026-2027 school year in November. Application information will be posted to our school website and social media channels. However, it is recommended to begin gathering documentation such as ACT/accuplacer scores, student transcripts, and a recommendation letter from a staff member at the student’s current school. Applicants will complete a form in which they will upload their most recent transcript, a letter of recommendation, contact information, and either ACT or Accuplacer scores. Incomplete applications will not be considered. See the FAQs for more information on the ACT/Accuplacer requirements.

Curriculum Requirements

Students will earn both high school and college credits by taking Dual Enrollment classes. Below are the requirements to obtain a high school diploma. Beyond these requirements, students will take Dual Enrollment classes aligned to the pathway of their choice.

English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 3 credits (must be lab sciences)
Fine Art 1 credit
Foreign Language 2 credits of same language
Social Studies 3 credits (Including Economics, US Government and US History)
Wellness: or
ROTC
1 credit
2 credits
Electives 3 credits
Personal Finance 1/2 credit
PE 1/2 credit

Computer Science:  1 credit (beginning with class of 2028)

Tuition and Fees

Dual Enrollment classes are based on the tuition rates set forth by Chattanooga State and may change annually. While we do offer grants for Juniors & Seniors, as well as a low-income scholarship for qualifying students, any remaining balance is the responsibility of the guardian(s) and student. See the FAQs for more information on these funding opportunities.

Out of state and out of district students will also be required to pay a percentage of the current out of state/district tuition rate to Hamilton County Schools. This tuition may fluctuate annually.

VW Apprenticeship

While not a required next step after graduation from MAV, many students choose to pursue an apprenticeship through Volkswagen Academy. Students at MAV have the opportunity to interview for the apprenticeship programs during their senior year of high school to further their education and training.

VW Apprenticeship

The graphic below provides an outline of dual enrollment courses students typically take at MAV. Classes are subject to change based upon requirements for the AAS in Mechatronics and individual student needs.