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The Academies of Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP will transform the high school experience for ASD students.
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College Ready
Over 70% of living wage jobs will require something beyond a high school diploma; we must ensure more students are academically prepared to access post-secondary learning opportunities such as college and technical training.
Career Ready
Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP’s economic future depends on a robust, innovative workforce; we must provide educational pathways for all students that lead to in-demand, high-wage career opportunities.
Life Ready
College and career readiness programs have long focused on academic knowledge and behaviors, but social skills, interpersonal skills, and transition skills are taught separately; we must integrate these skills that are critical to helping students navigate their paths through life.
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The Academies of Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP, approved by the Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP in June 2024, create areas of career focus or “pathways” in Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP high schools. At the end of their freshman year, students choose the pathway that best fits their college or career interests and take electives related to that field over the course of their high school journey.
Pathways feature industry and career programs including business, health sciences, engineering, hospitality and more. In the 2025/2026 academic year, each comprehensive Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP high school will offer at least two optional pathways.
General FAQs about the Program
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How will the Academies of Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP work?
Academies are small learning communities that empower students through college and career exposure so they can make timely, informed decisions and discover their true passions while earning early college credit and nationally recognized industry certifications. Students at each comprehensive high school will have the option to choose from at least two pathways, an elective class they will sign up for during regular registration.
Participating high schools will be matched with local industry partners who will provide training, internship and job-shadowing opportunities for students, as well as support for teachers who work in specific career-themed academies.
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Will all students be part of a pathway?
Enrolling in a pathway is optional for all students.
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Will advanced classes such as AP, IB and Dual-Enrollment still be offered in the Academy model?
In addition to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at West High School and Alaska Middle College School, the academies will offer honors, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment opportunities. The goal is to increase the number of students taking advanced courses by increasing relevance and rigor in instructional practices.
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How will elective classes be impacted?
Academy scheduling is student-driven; elective classes are determined by student requests rather than teacher interest. Recommended electives will be offered to enhance the student’s pathway course sequence, while also having the opportunity to select any global electives offered in the Program of Studies.
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How will this program provide exposure to career opportunities?
Participating high schools will be matched with local industry partners who will provide training, internship and job-shadowing opportunities for students, as well as support for teachers who work in specific career-themed academies.
FAQs for Parents and Students
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I have more questions about the Academies. Who do I talk to?
If you have additional questions, please reach out to your student’s counselor, principal or their school’s academy coach.
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What if my child will be in high school but graduates before 2028?
If your student is a current junior or senior, they can also elect to take a pathway course.
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What should my child do if they are not interested in the career pathways offered by their school?
They do not have to opt into a pathway.
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My student is interested in topics that are not part of a career pathway. Will they still be able to study those subjects?
Classes in the arts, music, literature, social studies, physical education and world languages will still be offered by district high schools, even if no career pathway is focused on those areas. These classes are valuable and available to all students, regardless of the academy.
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How will students with disabilities participate in this academy model?
Each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) will support their learning and be implemented to ensure student success if they choose a pathway.
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What if my student is new to the school or community?
This is a student-centered model that focuses on what is best for the student. Counselors and administrators will continue to work closely with students and their families to ensure students' needs are met.
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Will JROTC continue to be an option for my child?
JROTC programs will continue to be offered as a global elective, available to all students.
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How will World language classes and immersion classes be impacted?
The Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP School District and the community know the value and importance of learning a world language. ASD is committed to developing global citizens who can communicate with diverse individuals and communities, and learning a world language greatly improves this outcome. Students will be encouraged to continue with their language immersion experiences and to take a world language. Proficiency in a world language will still be highlighted with the Seal of Biliteracy program.
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Will student still have the opportunity to attend King Tech?
At this time, students will still be able to enroll in King Tech courses.
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Will students need to transfer to other schools?
Students will still attend their neighborhood schools and will have an option to lottery into other school choice programs.