Career academies are small, personalized learning communities within a high school, integrate rigorous core academic subjects with career and technical courses with an industry-specific theme, and include partnerships with employers, community leaders, and postsecondary education.

• Major area of interest selected is part of the student’s personalized education and career plan

• High expectations for all students

• Access to college-prep curriculum

• Curriculum meets or exceeds state standards, college entrance requirements, and industry standards

• Students are engaged in planning and making decisions for their future

• Students are motivated by applied, contextual, project-based teaching and learning

• Students select career academy based on life goals and career interests

• Students gain invaluable career experience

• Students develop skills important to success in careers, life, society

• Students are provided pathways to postsecondary education

Contribution to Relationships

• Smaller settings allow for students, teachers, and community partners to know each other well

• Students grouped together for several periods per day for several years with teachers and advisors

• Community partners serve as role models, mentors, and advisors