Career Academies

Career Academies are high school reform programs serving 150-200 students in grades 9-12 (or 10-12). They are organized as small learning communities within larger high schools, combining academic and career/technical curricula around a career theme (such as health professions, business and finance, electronics, travel and tourism, or information technology). The programs establish partnerships with local employers to provide work-based learning opportunities, including job shadowing, career fairs, guest speakers, and internships. Students take 2-4 courses per year in the Academy and remaining courses in the regular high school, with block scheduling of Academy classes in the morning. The approach aims to create supportive learning environments with personalized attention from teachers, improve student engagement and attendance, prevent dropouts, and prepare students for both post-secondary education and employment transitions.