The Academies at Adams 14

The Academies at Adams 14 are a collection of career themed pathways through which students focus their learning. The Academy model 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, both in the workforce and postsecondary education, following high school. When we combine career and college preparation with the high school experience, 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 of the four academies is directly aligned to a leading industry sector that include Construction, Engineering, Business, Hospitality & Tourism, Digital Media, Video Production, Healthcare, and Education. Their chosen pathway will become a powerful learning community over their four year high school experience bringing together a group of students, educators, and industry partners that share a set of common interests. Students will have opportunities to engage in work-based learning experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, including guest speakers, site visits, job shadows, and internships aligned to their Academy theme. 

Once students select an Academy, they will have the opportunity to further explore various career pathways specific to their area of interest. Each of the eight pathways are designed to meet growing industry needs and prepare students to move into high-demand career fields or areas of study. Although the Academies are tailored to a narrower area of interest, students will develop the skills, as well as mindsets, that will transcend beyond their specific industry pathway. Students across all Academies will develop the competencies identified in the Adams 14 Graduate Profile, which include being career prepared, a civic and global contributor, a communicator, a collaborator, and a creative, innovative, and critical thinker. 

While students at Lester Arnold High School will not take part in one of the Academies at Adams 14, they will have the opportunity to explore career themes, as well as career pathways, as they complete their coursework. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in career aligned guest speakers, site visits, job shadows, and internships. 

Students enrolled in high-quality learning pathways outperform their peers enrolled 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
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. The Academies create a focused partnership between students, teachers, and the business community, providing relevant, personalized, and real-world learning experiences.

Academy students will have the opportunity to take courses similar to those offered in years past. Core classes, including Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies, will embed Academy themes and real-world industry concepts into their coursework. Students will also take a set of progressive career and technical core classes aligned to their specific Academy pathway. All students will still select elective courses, including, but not limited to, orchestra, theater, art, physical education, world languages, and journalism as these are an important part of the high school experience.

Student support is one of the key pillars of our Academies program. Counseling, special education services, language supports, and all other 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 your students' transition into high school and beyond.

The selection process in Adams 14 begins at the start of students' 7th grade year. Beginning with exploratory courses, students will have the opportunity to experience Academy aligned themes across each pathway. Throughout their 8th grade year, students will complete interest surveys, discuss opportunities, and learn more about each of the Academies offered at Adams City High School. In collaboration with the high school, students will receive more information about the selection process; however, all students will have the opportunity to express their preferences and make informed decisions. 

Students will be supported in many ways throughout the process. Counselors, teachers, current high school students, and the district's college and career facilitator will be available to support students as they make selections based on their individual 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 Academy pathway with acceptance events in the spring. While we do strive to ensure all students are placed in their desired Academy, some students may be placed in a second or third choice Academy based on enrollment needs.

As many students enter high school they may still be undecided as to which field they would like to pursue and 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 across all pathways; 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 career path they choose to pursue after graduation.

While we encourage all students to make their chosen Academy home for four years, we understand 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 at the end of their freshman year. All change requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis, taking into account what is best for each student on a personal, academic, and social level.

Absolutely! Co-curricular 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 review each Academies page linked above for more specific information. There will be several student and family engagement opportunities offered throughout the year at both the middle and high school level. Feel free to reach out to Adams City High School directly with additional questions. Keep an eye out for upcoming Academy events as these are a great way to engage and learn more about each Academy!