The Academy Model

The Partnership Academy Model is a three-year program, grades 10-12, structured as a school-within-a-school. There are currently 290 funded programs throughout California. The model, originating with the Philadelphia Academies in the late 1960s, spread to California in the early 1980s. Academies incorporate many features of the high school reform movement that includes creating a close family-like atmosphere, integrating academic and career technical education, and establishing viable business partnerships. Emphasis is also placed on student achievement and positive post secondary outcomes. Academies have been carefully evaluated and shown to have positive impacts on school performance. Key components of the Academy model are:

• Curriculum focused on a career theme and coordinated with related academic classes;
• A voluntary student selection process that identifies interested ninth graders;
• A team of teachers who work together to plan and implement the program;
• A variety of motivational activities with private sector involvement to encourage academic and occupational preparation such as a mentor and internship program, enhanced curriculum, classroom speakers, field trips, and post secondary options.

View the power point presentation for a complete overview of the Industrial Technology Engineering Academy program at Peter Johansen High School.

Power Point Presentation