Decatur Career Academy

Unless otherwise noted, students in any grade level may enroll in the first course in a Pathway sequence. Courses in each pathway must be completed in the order listed; to complete all three years of a pathway, students must take the introductory course no later than their sophomore year.

Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)

JROTC 1, 2, 3 and 4

This course includes classroom instruction and laboratory instruction in the history, customs, traditions and purpose of Army JROTC. It contains the development of basic leadership skills to include leadership principles, values and attributes. The JROTC program is designed to teach cadets the value of citizenship, leadership, service to the community and personal responsibility. As the cadets become more engaged in JROTC, they will gain a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, and they will learn teamwork and self-discipline.

Computer Science courses

AP Computer Science Principles

Computer Science Principles is an intellectually rich and engaging course that is focused on building a solid understanding and foundation in computer science. This course emphasizes the content, practices, thinking and skills central to the discipline of computer science. AP Computer Science Principles is a prerequisite for AP Computer Science.

AP Computer Science AB

AP Computer Science lays the foundation for object-oriented programming. The course aims at teaching the students computer science concepts. Java is used as the vehicle to teach them. The focus is more on the concepts and abstract ideas rather than on the syntax. The course is about design of classes, algorithms, programming techniques and introduction to data structures like arrays and array lists. Students must have passed AP Computer Science Principles or received permission from the instructor or an administrator.

Audio-Video Technology and Film

Audio-Video Technology and Film I ⇒ Audio-Video Technology and Film II ⇒ Audio-Video Technology and Film III

The course prepares students for employment or entry into a postsecondary education program in the audio and video technology career field. Students will have the opportunity for client based live work as well as working in the community on various projects. Topics covered may include, but are not limited to: terminology, safety, basic equipment, script writing, production teams, production and programming, lighting, recording and editing, studio production, and professional ethics.

Convergence Media Pathway

Convergence Media I ⇒ Convergence Media 2 ⇒ Convergence Media 3

Students in this pathway use video production, graphical layout, web design, writing and journalism/reporting skills to create multimedia content for real audiences via 3ten.org (web), The DEC (video), and Carpe Diem (print). The pathway includes opportunities for competitions and state and national travel. Throughout the pathway students will learn camera operation, audio recording techniques, non-linear video editing, desktop publishing, and other digital storytelling skill sets using state of the art, professional grade equipment and tools.

Culinary Arts Pathway

Introduction to Culinary Arts ⇒ Culinary Arts 1 ⇒ Culinary Arts 2

Students completing the Culinary Arts Pathway will be prepared for post-secondary education in culinary arts and/or employment in a culinary field.

Early Childhood Education Pathway

Early Childhood Education 1 ⇒ Early Childhood Education 2 ⇒ Early Childhood Education Practicum

The Early Childhood Education Pathway addresses care and education of children from birth to kindergarten and teaches students to create appropriate environments and lessons for young children. Freshmen are not eligible to enroll in Early Childhood Education 1.Fine Furniture & Cabinet Making

Electronics Pathway

Foundation of Electronics ⇒ Advanced AC and DC Circuits ⇒ Digital Electronics

The Electronics Pathway is a three course sequence located within the STEM Career Cluster. This pathway is designed for students who are interested in careers related to the design, production, analysis, repair, and operation of devices that use electronics. Students will study and apply using project based learning activities the fundamentals of electricity and electronic systems including the theory and operation of how the basic components function, how a variety circuits are connected, and how to design these circuits.

Architecture Drawing and Design Pathway

Introduction to Drafting and Design ⇒ Architectural Drawing and Design 1⇒ Architectural Drawing and Design 2

Students apply and learn skills related to technical drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), 2-D drafting, and 3-D modeling. Emphasis is placed on developing design ideas for the built environment and representing those ideas through technical sketches, perspective sketching, computer modeling, and physical model building. This pathway prepares students for careers and post-secondary education in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries."

Fine Furniture and Cabinet Making

Fine Furniture/Cabinet Making I ⇒ Fine Furniture/Cabinet Making II ⇒ Fine Furniture/Cabinet Making III

Students will learn by engaging in projects which combine the use of basic hand tools, power tools and heavy machinery, and Computer Numeric Controlled equipment. As a final project students will design and construct a piece of furniture or cabinetry which demonstrates the skills and competencies learned in that class.

Graphic Design Pathway

Introduction to Graphics and Design ⇒ Graphic Design and Production ⇒ Advanced Graphic Design

Students learn the processes and skills associated with illustration, graphic design, publishing, and printing graphics. Students develop both artistic and technical skills, utilizing traditional mediums and Adobe Creative Suite products including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

IB DEsign Technology SL

This course aims to develop internally-minded people whose enhanced understanding of design and the technological world can facilitate our shared guardianship of the planet and create a better world. Topics covered include Human Factors and Ergonomics, Resource Management and Sustainability, Modeling, Final Production, Innovation and Design, and Classic Design.

Jobs for Georgia Graduates

JGG 1, 2, 3 and 4

The Jobs for Georgia Graduates program is a partnership of local schools, businesses, communities, and the Georgia Department of Labor. JGG is a school-to-work transition program designed to provide high school students with pre-employment training, work skills, motivational activities, and job development. JGG provides follow-up services to increase the graduation rate and encourage a successful transition from school to work. Contact Mr. Joe Lee at jlee@csdecatur.net if you would like to participate.

Office Internship

Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to work as office interns for the main office, attendance office, counseling office, and media center. Applications are available in the counseling office.

Teaching as a Profession Pathway

Examining the Teaching Profession ⇒ Contemporary Issues in Education ⇒ Teaching Internship

The Teaching as a Profession Pathway introduces students to careers in the field of K-12 education. Students study educational theories and best practices and apply their learning to create effective lessons for all levels of students.

Web and Digital Design Pathway

Introduction to Digital Design ⇒ Digital Design ⇒ Web Design

The rapidly changing digital world engages students in hands-on learning to prepare for careers that create, use, modify, and engage technology skills. Using web design as the platform for product design and presentation, students will create and learn digital media applications using elements of text, graphics, animation, sound, video and digital imaging for various formats. Students will move past learning how to write code and progress to designing a professional website using graphical authoring tools.

Work-Based Learning

The internship offers students the ability to work as a paid or unpaid intern in a career field of interest. Prior work or educational experience is required for students to be accepted into the program. Students must apply for the internship, find an internship placement position (with assistance from the Work-Based Learning coordinator) and adhere to internship requirements throughout the year. Each intern is required to work a minimum of five hours per week per high school credit. Students who request this course will be given a WBL program application.

Yearbook Electives

Yearbook 1, 2, and 3

Placement Criteria: Interview

In this course students will gain skills in one or more of the following areas: page design, advanced publishing techniques, copy writing, business, editing and photography while producing a creative, innovative yearbook which records school memories and events. Participants gain useful, real world skills in time management, marketing, teamwork, and design principles. Class work includes all phases of yearbook activities necessary to produce a historical record of the school’s personnel, events, activities, and the student body staff. Students who request this course will be contacted for an interview.