High School Academies

Benefits of Academies

• Provides students with real world experience in career fields
• Develops soft skills that will help students in all aspects of future endeavors
• Increases student engagement and enthusiasm
• Offers some student choice in determining their class schedule
• Allows the opportunity to gain experience in a number of career fields by the time of graduation

Academy Goals

The goal of bringing academies to CCS is to help our students develop their God-given talents and abilities, while preparing for a future career.  Utilizing instructional activities, hands-on practices, and field experience, students will gain knowledge and insight into the field that they feel they are being called to in the future.

Academy Design

During second period each day, students will engage in activities designed to promote spiritual growth, or college and career development.

Chapel will be held every Wednesday and student-led small groups will occur each Friday. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday will be dedicated to academy related activities where students will work with their academy leader on activities designed to promote their growth in their chosen field.

Large group college and career development will also take place during the student life period where students will have an opportunity to participate in personality inventories, career research, and college exploration.

School will begin at 8:00am and end at 3:15pm each day giving students time to participate in eight periods a day.

Academy Options…

Business Academy

Students in the business academy will learn and practice skills that are necessary to succeed in the world of business including:

• Marketing and development
• Business-related budgeting and accounting
• Creating a workable business plan
• Developing a network of local business contacts

Potential Careers:

• Accountant
• Social Media Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Actuary
• Corporate Attorney
• Healthcare Administrator
• Entrepreneur

Journalism Academy

Students participating in the computer academy will have the opportunity to engage in specialized activities including:

• have skills necessary in communicating in the print media with emphasis on writing, interviewing,     observing, reporting, reacting and synthesizing
• become an intelligent consumer of the mass media
• understand the legal, moral and ethical responsibilities inherent in a free press
• develop responsibility for meeting deadlines
• understand the necessity of research to add validity, emphasis and depth to writing
• have an awareness of the world around him, both social and political.

Potential Careers:

• Content marketer
• Copywriter
• Corporate communications specialist
• Editor
• Grant writer
• Public relations specialist
• Reporter
• Social media specialist

Robotics Academy

Students participating in the computer academy will have the opportunity to engage in specialized activities including:

• Coding and software development
• Experience with multiple platforms
• How to collaborate in groups and teams
• How to design robots for specific activities and scenarios
• Gears, pulleys, torque, friction, timing, sensors, and program loops
• To design, develop and complete robotic activities and challenges

Potential Careers:

• Software Developer
• Mechanical Engineers
• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
• Electro-mechanical Technicians
• Computer and Information Research Scientists
• Computer Programmers

Criminal Justice Academy

Our Criminal Justice students will gain knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Legal studies
• Introduction to law enforcement
• Knowledge of forensic methods
• Introduction to government and judicial systems

Potential Careers:

• Corrections Officer
• Probation Officer
• Forensic Science Technician
• Private Detective
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Federal Law Enforcement
• Blood Splatter Analyst
• Police Officer

Medical Academy

As part of the medical academy, students will participate in a variety of experiences including:

• Professional courses in Anatomy and Physiology
• Exploration of careers in the medical field
• Service hours in local medical facilities
• CPR/First Aid Training and certification for qualified students

Potential Careers:

• Nursing
• Ultrasound Technician
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Physician
• Pharmacy Technician
• Medical Assistant
• Physical Therapist
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Clinical LaboratoryTechnician

Ministry Academy

Our ministry academy students will gain experience in various aspects of ministry including:

• Exploring ministry roles and opportunities
• Preaching/speech training
• Church organizational and business practices
• Worship training
• Design and implementation of outreach projects

Potential Careers:

• Pastor
• Missionary
• Children’s Ministry
• Worship Leader
• Hospitality
• Church Management
• Youth Ministry
• Arts and Communication

Armed Forces Academy

Students participating in our armed forces academy will gain hands-on experience that will benefit them in multiple career paths, including:

• Overview of historical influences on military enrollment
• Physical Training
• Educational programs available through the military
• Comprehensive review of ASVAB Exam

Potential Careers:

• Army Automobile Maintenance Warrant Officer
• Air Force Pilot
• Navy Flight Support
• Marine Corps Military Police
• Coast Guard Boatswain Mate
• Navy Nurse Corp
• Army Linguist
• Navy Operations Specialists

Teachers for Tomorrow Academy

Our Teachers for Tomorrow program introduces students to the world of education through:

• Development of teaching methods and practices
• Hands on experience in instruction in a classroom setting
• Current trends in education
• Exposure to topics and theories related to the teaching profession

Potential Careers:

• Early Childhood Educator
• Teacher
• Principal
• Curriculum Designer
• Guidance Counselor
• Education Consultant
• Child Life Specialist
• Family Counselor
• Staff Developer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to join an academy?
Yes, all high school students are required to choose one of the academy options offered at CCS.

Will participating in an academy raise the cost of my tuition?
No! Academies are incorporated into our school day at no additional cost to the student.

What if I want to change my academy during the school year?
Once students commit to an academy they are required to stay in that academy for the duration of the school year. A new academy may be chosen each school year.

Do I earn additional credits or certifications through an academy?
Each academy earns a half credit for a high school elective. Some academies may offer additional credit or industrial certifications on a case by case basis.

Are there additional uniform requirements for academies?
No; however, students may purchase uniform shirts from Ibiley in their academy color.