Academies of Racine

Introducing the Academies of Racine

In RUSD, we are thrilled to share with you that we are transforming our RUSD comprehensive high schools! We have worked with our principals, teachers, business, community, and post-secondary partners to build the framework for the Academies of Racine. We began implementation of this model in the fall of 2016. We can’t wait to provide more opportunities to prepare your child for college or career!

What is an Academy?

Academies are small learning communities that provide real-world experiences with local businesses and professionals, linking schoolwork and the workplace. Each high school will have the same Academies with unique Pathways. Each Pathway is a sequence of courses designed to help students prepare for a specific career area while also meeting the mandatory requirements for high school graduation. Regular coursework, including math, language arts, science and history, is presented within the context of the academy’s focus. Students will also have the same opportunities they have now to select elective courses including Fine Arts and World Language.

How does it work?

Exploration begins in middle school. 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 will have the same Academies but could differ in the Pathways. Students will 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 providing 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

Academies

Freshman Academy

Business & Technology Academy

  • Business

  • Marketing

  • Automotive (Park only)

  • Construction

  • Robotics/Manufacturing

  • Counselor: Mrs. Rogers (Business & Culinary pathways)

  • Counselor: Mr. Wilkins (Auto, Construction & Robotics/Manufacturing pathways)

  • Principal: Mrs. Wakim

Health & Public Service Academy

  • Early Childhood & Education

  • Health Services

  • Culinary Arts

  • JROTC (Park only)

  • Counselor: Mrs. Saber ( Education & Health Services pathways)

  • Counselor: Mr. Kasprovich (Culinary Arts & JROTC pathways)

  • Principal: Mrs. Barncard

To contact anyone from the High School Transformation Team, click here