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The Academies
Freshman Academy
Sophomore Academy
The Freshman Academy assists students with the transition to high school by dividing ninth graders into six houses. Each house operates with the same core teachers in English, math, biology, geography/history of the world to facilitate communication. Teams of teachers meet weekly to monitor the progress of their students. The Sophomore Academy works in a similar fashion with teachers planning together in groups to improve communication.
Achievement Academies for juniors and seniors
Business Academy
Fine Arts Academy
Health and Human Services Academy
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Academy
The Achievement Academies are designed to bring focus, rigor, and relevance to each student's high school course of study. Based on federal and state career pathway models, students must choose one of four academies in which to study their junior and senior years. Students will begin to consider the focus of their high school education when they complete their four-year course plan in eighth grade. Students will choose a desired diploma, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors or Core 40 with Technical Honors and select courses that meet those requirements. As freshmen, through each of their core courses and Career Planning and Success Skills (CPSS), students will explore the many opportunities available in the Penn Achievement Academies. Then in their sophomore year, students will select their Penn Achievement Academy in Orientation to Life and Careers (OLC class.
Frequently Asked Questions about the achievement academies
Will there be a reduction in the number of courses a student can take with the advent of the academies?
No, students will still have the same broad array of rigorous required courses as well as a variety of elective courses to take. The intent of the academies is to focus each student's course of study and encourage more students to take rigourous course work related to a specific career.
Can my student change his/her mind about which academy they have chosen?
Students will be able to change academies between their junior and senior year.
What if my student has no idea what field of study he/she would like to concentrate on?
Students will be able to take the wide array of electives offered. The opportunity for exploration and discovery will still be available. The Penn achievement academies help students focus on possible areas of interest helping each student to select a post-secondary path.
Will these courses prepare my student for college?
Students will be able to select courses that lead to success at post-secondary education no matter how challenging. Students can prepare for tier one schools, traditional four-year colleges, private colleges, communty colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, the military or the workforce.