- Academies of Anchorage
- Freshman Academy
What are the Academies?
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- The Academies of Anchorage are specialized tracks that focus on various career fields. They incorporate hands-on learning and direct connections with local businesses and industries.
- Academies of Anchorage will be announced shortly. Each high school in Anchorage will have its own Academies (larger areas of study) and pathways (specialized tracks) for students to choose from.
- Fall 2024: all incoming freshmen will be enrolled in Freshman Academy. This will be a single introductory class period where they will explore the available Academies, making their Academy and pathway selection with the help of an advisor by the end of the year.
- These students will enter their Academies in fall 2025. In the meantime, Academy curriculum and additional school business partnerships will be solidified.
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Freshman Academy
Build connections with teachers and classmates, and prepare students for an academy pathway selection in the upcoming years.
Making it Happen
- Freshman Academy Career Exploration: focuses on identifying interests, aptitudes and professional skills
- Career Exploration: introduce students to professional opportunities with host guest speakers from various industries
- Advanced Academic: prepare students to pursue advanced academic classes while obtaining industry credentials or receive dual enrollment college credit
- College visits: provide exposure to academic opportunities beyond high school.
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Will my child still be prepared for college?
Yes, the Academies enhance academic rigor with real-world skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for both college and careers.
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Is this program replacing traditional high school education?
No, it complements the existing curriculum by adding career-focused learning opportunities within the traditional school setting.
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What is the first step in this process?
Beginning in 9th grade, students will participate in Freshman Academy, which is designed to welcome them to high school, provide a smaller learning community to connect with teachers and classmates, and help them select a career and academy pathway for Grades 10-12.
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Who is included in Freshman Academy?
Students from the Class of 2028 (current 8th graders) will be the first to experience the high school redesign, beginning in the Fall of 2024. In future years, all incoming 9th-graders will be part of Freshman Academy.
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What happens during Freshman Academy?
Students will participate in multiple activities:
- Freshman Seminar focuses on helping students identify interests, aptitudes, and professional skills, through resources including the YouScience assessment tool.
- Career Exploration introduces students to professional opportunities and host guest speakers from various industries.
- Career Fair Participation gives the opportunity to discuss careers with local industry partners.
- Exploration of career pathways connected to interest and aptitude leads to the selection of an Academy pathway to explore through their remaining three years of high school.
- Pathway Declaration ceremony in the spring of the freshman year launches students
- Advanced Academics (Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate) prepares students to obtain industry credentials or receive dual enrollment credit through a college.
- College visits provide exposure to academic opportunities beyond high school.
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When will students pick their academy pathway for Grades 10-12?
Students will pick their academy pathway during the second semester of their freshman year. They will work with their school counselor and the school's Academy Coach to make an individual plan of study for their high school coursework. The student will review the plan with advisors to make adjustments as necessary.
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Can my child change their academy if they discover a new interest?
Absolutely, the program is designed for exploration. If a student decides they want to shift paths, they may work with a counselor to switch their chosen academy one time during their high school career.
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How does this affect my child's current extracurricular activities?
The academies are structured to fit within the standard school day, allowing students to continue participating in their favorite activities.
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Is this change being made at other schools?
All of the eight comprehensive high schools in the first cohort of The Academies of Anchorage:
- Bartlett High School
- Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School
- Chugiak High School
- Dimond High School
- Eagle River High School
- Service High School
- South Anchorage High School
- West Anchorage High School.
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My student will be in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade next year. How will they participate in The Academies of Anchorage?
This is a redesign of the high school experience and will begin with students who are rising 9th-graders. Students in Grades 10-12 will continue to participate in the traditional high school scheduling process for the remainder of their careers, but will have increased opportunities for college and career exploration.
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How can I find out more information about The Academies of Anchorage?
For more information, please contact the Academy Coach or principal at the high school. If you are interested in partnering with the schools as an industry partner, please use this link to start the process of bringing your time and talent to community-connected learning in the Ê®·ÖÁùºÏ²Ê high schools.
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What about the costs? Are there extra fees involved?
There are no additional costs to families. The program is fully funded, ensuring all students have access to these opportunities.
The Academies are committed to equity and access for all students, and this will be at the forefront of the planning process as the student experiences for each academy are lined out in the coming year.
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The Academies of Anchorage transform the high school experience.
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Freshman Academy is the first step on that journey.
