In 2016, Racine Unified launched the Academies of Racine at Case, Horlick and Park High Schools to better prepare students for college and the workforce. The Academies offer small learning communities or pathways that provide real-world experiences with local businesses and professionals. Each pathway prepares students for specific career areas by connecting regular high school coursework to college and career opportunities after graduation. Students select a pathway their freshman year and study it for the next three years, earning college credits and nationally-recognized industry certifications along the way. Students enrolled in the Academies of Racine are also able to take rigorous Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, world languages, participate in fine arts, join a variety of clubs and activities depending on their interests and participate in athletics.
How does it work?
Exploration begins in our middle school Academies. Students will chart their unique “pathway” during eighth and ninth grades, exploring career choices. A pathway is a sequence of courses within a chosen Academy designed to help students prepare for a specific career area while meeting the mandatory requirements for high school graduation.
Pathways provide students with a plan to connect coursework in high school with college and career opportunities after graduation. After choosing a pathway, students will then select one Academy to pursue during their high school career. Each high school has the same Academies but may have unique pathways. Students have opportunities to earn college credits, experience apprenticeships and earn certifications in a particular field of study.
What do Academies Offer?
- Smaller, personalized learning environments
- Partnerships with businesses provide opportunities for students to solve real-world problems for authentic learning
- A focus on 21st-century skills students need to succeed in college and life
- A culture of teamwork, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity
- Rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum
- Preparation for college and career
