What's the Difference?

Relationships

• Academies offer the smaller, personalized environment of small schools
• Academies offer applied learning opportunities of themed magnet schools
• Academies are part of the open enrollment/choice schools process, so they are open to all students, regardless of their attendance boundaries
• Academies partner with business to solve real-world problems for authentic learning
• Academies focus on 21st Century Skills students need for success in college and life
• Academies provide a culture of teamwork, critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity
• Academies give students a choice among many different themes
• Academies provide rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum
• Academies prepare students for college and career

Rigor

• Graduation requirements are aligned with college entrance requirements
• Opportunities for Advanced Placement
• Opportunities for college credit
• Challenging Career Education courses

Relevance

• Students connect their learning to the real-world
• Students develop a capstone project in their field of interest, which can include a student internship, work-based learning, service learning or a research project
• Students earn a specialized high school diploma, and engage in extensive volunteer work and work-based learning opportunities that relate to their course of study
• Students gain advantages in high school, college and careers because of the strong academic foundation and transferable skills