Academies at Adams 14

The Academies at Adams City High School is a proven, systemic approach to career and college preparation that creates opportunities for students to grow through real world experiences. School takes on new relevance and motivates students to succeed — in  the workforce and postsecondary education — following high school. When we combine career and college preparation, we put every student in a position to pursue the full range of postsecondary options, whether career certification programs, trade school, or college. More than simply being prepared to succeed, each of our students will graduate with an “edge” over their peers nationwide.

Students will have the opportunity to be part of one of four “schools within a school,” or Academies.  Each Academy is aligned with a leading industry sector – including business, healthcare, technology and design, and construction trades. Their chosen Academy will become a true community over the next four years, bringing together a group of peers with whom students share common interests and some core classes. Throughout their four years, students will engage in work-based learning through experiences both inside and outside the classroom, including guest speakers, job shadowing, and internships.

Once students select an Academy, they have the opportunity to further explore a more specific pathway. Examples include health sciences, teacher core, engineering, or business, among many others. Each pathway focus is based on anticipated growth in the specific industry area whereby career opportunities for students in our communities will be most available. Although tailored to a narrower area of interest, Academies help students develop skills and a mindset that transcends beyond a specific industry sector or focus area. Students in all Academies will develop the competencies identified in our Adams 14 Graduate Profile: career prepared, civic and global contributor, communicator, collaborator, and a creative, innovative, and critical thinker.

Students enrolled in high-quality learning pathways outperform their peers in traditional high school programs. Independent research shows that compared with peers in traditional high schools, students:

1. Are less likely to drop out and more likely to graduate;
2. Earn more college credits and certifications by the end of high school; and
3. Build the mindset and skills to thrive in college, career, and life.

When students understand the connection between education and the real world, they are more motivated to learn and succeed. Academies create a focused partnership between students, teachers, and the business community, providing relevant, personalized, and real-world learning experiences.

Students will have opportunities to take similar core classes as in years past. Their core classes (for example, English language arts or math) will simply integrate content from their school’s industry focus. Students will also take technical core classes that align with their school’s industry sector, such as business, engineering, or education. Elective classes such as orchestra, theater, art, physical education, global languages, and journalism will continue to be an important part of each student’s schedule.

Student support is one of the key pillars of our Academies program. Counseling, special education services, and all support systems will continue throughout the high school years. Adams 14 is committed to ensuring that all students have access to and are supported throughout their experience in the Academies. If you have specific concerns, please reach out to your student’s current counselor or case manager. Our staff members are here to support families throughout this transition into high school and beyond.

Our high school teams will share more information about the student selection process. Students will have the opportunity to express their preferences. Individual voice will be honored throughout the process, with multiple opportunities for students to share their thoughts. Students will be supported in many ways throughout the process. Counselors, teachers, current high school students, and each high school college and career facilitator will be available to support students as they make choices about their preferences. Families can expect several additional opportunities to learn more about pathways through virtual and in-person offerings. When selections are finalized, we will celebrate all students and welcome them to their chosen school with acceptance events in the spring.

As they enter high school, many students are undecided as to which field the would like to pursue. It is common for students to have multiple, varied interests. It is important to know that we are not asking students to commit to a career at this time. Students will be selecting an industry theme as a lens through which to learn, rather than committing to any specific path. Core curriculum will remain similar; students will simply learn through the lens of their chosen Academy. The skills that they will learn within each pathway will be transferable to any path they choose to pursue after graduation.

While we are encouraging all students to make their chosen Academy home for four years, we know that interests and goals do change. In designing classes and course sequences, our high school teams have worked to ensure that students can stay on track with their peers if they decide to change Academies after their freshman year.

Absolutely! Cocurricular and extracurricular activities like the arts, athletics, clubs, and student organizations are a key part of the high school experience. Adams 14 believes that these activities are a critical part of student engagement in our high school communities, and we look forward to strengthening connections between the classroom and the field, court, or stage.

Please feel free to contact Adams City High School. Each school has a counselor who will be sharing more information with your families and hosting events throughout the winter and spring.