First, an academy is a personalized smaller learning community within a larger high school which students select because of their interest in the academy’s theme.  Students attend core and elective classes together.  Teachers in an academy share common planning time, work together to integrate the academy theme into core instruction, and teach so that students understand how their classes are preparing them for the world beyond high school.  Developing a family-like atmosphere and close student/teacher relationships are important components of academy culture.  Academy students participate in school-wide activities like clubs and sports.

Second, students in academies participate in college and career preparatory courses.  Students have a mixture of core and elective classes that prepare them to meet the entrance requirements for four-year colleges and universities.  Core and elective classes are carefully linked to professional industry standards to encourage high achievement.  Students are systematically exposed to a range of careers related to the academy theme.  Special projects require students to integrate academic skills from across their subjects and connect them to work settings.  Concerted effort is made to provide paid or unpaid internships or service learning opportunities for students.  Counseling and post-secondary planning keep students motivated and forward-facing.

Third, academies seek partnerships with business, civic, post-secondary and cultural organizations interested in supporting teaching and learning.  Academy partners may offer teacher externships, provide class speakers, participate in field trips or offer job-shadowing, mentoring, tutoring, or summer employment for students.  Partners can assist in keeping curriculum and skills relevant and up to professional standards. Post-secondary partners may develop articulation agreements and dual enrollment so that students are preparing as well as possible for college and careers.