The district’s academy model includes six career academies within one high school. We also have one Freshman Academy for incoming 9th graders. Students will select an academy to enter as a sophomore. Each academy has its own physical location in the building. The 335,000-foot building expansion has been customized to meet the needs of each academy. Each Academy Hub (two academies) has its own administrative and instructional team.

Research shows smaller learning communities lead to improved attendance, reduced behavior issues, increased sense of belonging for students, increased graduation rates, and achievement gains for students.

Student experiences include inquiry learning, internship opportunities, individualized learning plans and personalized learning, 1:1 technology integration, authentic learning experiences (real world connections!), teachers learning from and planning with industry experts, and programs of study: In-depth sequence of courses.

The academy model at Shakopee High School is staffed with one academy principal for two career academies and an academy principal for the 9^th grade academy. There are also counselors and other staff that are assigned to particular academies. A team of teachers assigned to each academy also provides targeted support for students.  

Freshman Academy is for 9^th grade students to spend time discovering their own unique interests and then chose a home academy for their sophomore through senior year. The Freshman Academy provides additional time to explore courses offered by the six academies.

During the registration process, 9^th grade students will select a career academy for their 10^th grade year and beyond. We understand that interests can change throughout the course of a high school career. At the end of 10^th grade, students will have an opportunity to explore another academy. It will become more difficult to switch academies after 10^th grade due to the graduation requirement of completing a program of study (3 course sequence) within an academy. Regardless of academy placement, students are always able to take elective courses outside of the home academy.

Ford NGL is a national network of academy schools. The schools in the Ford NGL network infuse the high expectations and academic rigor of college preparatory academic programs with the real-world relevance and rigor of career and technical education (CTE).  Ford NGL uses the power of workplace relevance and business relationships to excite young people about education and to prepare them for college, careers and life. The network provides services to help schools go from design, planning, implementation, and future study visits of the academy model. We will customize this process to meet the unique needs of our community. As part of the Ford NGL network, our district will likely generate revenue from future study visits. Districts around the country visit Shakopee to help them implement the academies in their schools.

A critical aspect of this work is the involvement of community and business partners in developing authentic projects, course work, internships, apprenticeships, job shadows, etc. To learn more about how to get involved contact Elizabeth Duehr.