Career Academy Model
The career academy model — a school-within-a-school, career focused program of study often with related work experience — has spread rapidly throughout the United States in the last 20 years, in large part because educators and policymakers believe it to be a promising approach for encouraging academic achievement and facilitating students’ transition to college and careers. Advocates argue that the integrated curriculum and contextualized academics promoted by the academy model can improve student learning and engagement, while work-based learning2 and business involvement broaden the boundaries of high school and provide students with the opportunity to enrich and apply their academic coursework outside of the classroom.
Career academies generally include school-based and work-based components; make use of an industry-themed, contextualized curriculum; and have a paid summer internship and supplemental career readiness and exploration activities. However, with the expansion of career academies, there is considerable variation in implementation. The National Academy Foundation (NAF), which sponsors hundreds of academies nationwide, endeavors to limit variation and control quality. Career academies in the NAF network are to implement all recommended elements of the career academy model, elements that are designed to support students academically, help them prepare for their postsecondary career and college transition, and support them personally while in school.
Career Academies in Dallas
DAF supports a network of Career Academies within Dallas Independent School District High Schools. During the 2011-2012 school year, NAF Academies will operate on 20 campuses within the District.
• 4 Academies Of Finance
• 7 Academies Of Hospitality & Tourism
• 8 Academies Of Engineering
• 1 Academy Of Information Technology
The Academy of Finance connects high school students with the world of financial services, offering a curriculum that covers banking and credit, financial planning, international finance, securities, insurance, accounting, and economics.
Emmett J. Conrad High School
7502 Fair Oaks Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231
School of Business & Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
1201 E. Eighth Street, Dallas, Texas 75203
Thomas Jefferson High School
4001 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229
W.H. Adamson High School
201 E. 9th Street, Dallas, Texas 75203
The Academy of Hospitality & Tourism helps students chart career paths in one of the world’s largest industries, from hotel management to sports, entertainment, and event management, and includes the study of geography, economics, and world cultures.
Emmett J. Conrad High School
7502 Fair Oaks Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231
School of Business & Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
1201 E. Eighth Street, Dallas, Texas 75203
Skyline High School
7777 Forney Road, Dallas, Texas 75227
Woodrow Wilson High School
100 S. Glasgow Drive, Dallas, Texas 75214
Thomas Jefferson High School
4001 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229
Justin F. Kimball High School
3606 S. Westmoreland Road, Dallas, Texas 75223
The Academy of Engineering answers an acute need for engineers in this country by educating high school students in the principles of engineering, and providing content in the fields of electronics, biotech, aerospace, civil engineering, and architecture. The Academy Of Engineering program was created through a partnership with the National Academy Foundation, Project Lead The Way, Inc. (PLTW), and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME). Other partners include: The STEM Academy, ConnectEd, and SME Education Foundation.
H. Grady Spruce High School
9733 Old Seagoville Road, Dallas, Texas 75217
David W. Carter High School
1819 W. Wheatland Road, Dallas, Texas 75232
Emmett J. Conrad High School
7502 Fair Oaks Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231
Hillcrest High School
9924 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, Texas 75230
Justin F. Kimball High School
3606 S. Westmoreland Road, Dallas, Texas 75223
Lincoln High School
2826 Hatcher Street, Dallas, Texas 75215
W.T. White High School
4505 Ridgeside Drive, Dallas, Texas 75244
Woodrow Wilson High School
100 S. Glasgow Drive, Dallas, Texas 75214
The Academy of Information Technology prepares students for career opportunities in programming, database administration, web design and administration, digital networks, and other areas in the expanding digital workplace.
South Oak Cliff High School
3601 S. Marsalis Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75216
Dallas High School Redesign Academies
The Dallas high school redesign strategy incorporates the NAF Academy concepts and strategies in the creation of career academies in the performing and creative arts.