About the Four Rivers Career Academy
The Four Rivers Career Academy (4RCA) became the name of the former Fulton County Area Technology Center in 2018 through a New Skills for Youth Cohort II grant that was awarded to the center in July 2018. Former Principal Terry Sullivan (who serve from 2013-2019) worked with his staff and the NSFY Career Readiness Coordinator, Dianne Owen, NSFY Directors Leslie Slaughter and Kim Hogan, and the NSFY Advisory Team who worked together to rebrand the technical center to become an all-day regional academy. The 4RCA offers dual credit courses, industry certifications, and career pathways in business marketing, industrial maintenance , automotive technology, welding, and health sciences. The 4RCA partners with five districts, two technical centers and two college partners as well as several businesses and industries.
In 2023, Mr. Bret Johnson became principal of Four Rivers Career Academy after working as an administrator for 23 years and coaching for 25 years. Mr. Johnson works with the community and educational partners to continue to serve the students of the Four Rivers region. Mr. Johnson holds masters degrees in Educational Administration and Supervision earned from the University of Tennessee at Martin.
OUR JOB IS NOT TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SOMETHING. OUR JOB IS TO HELP STUDENTS PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR ANYTHING. -A.J. JULIANI-
History
The Fulton County Area Technology Center was approved by the Kentucky State Board in April 1971 after five years of work spearheaded by then superintendent, Harold Garrison, backed by educators, citizens, and community leaders. The facility which has served students in the Fulton County, Fulton Independent, and Hickman County school districts as well as adult learners grew from the vision that a college degree was not in everyone’s future and the area had a growing need for skilled workers.
Our Vision
“United We Learn is our vision for the future of public education in Kentucky. This vision builds around three big ideas: creating a more vibrant experience for every student, encouraging innovation in our schools – especially when it comes to assessment, and creating a bold new future for Kentucky’s schools through collaboration with our communities. These three big ideas – students, innovation and community – form the vision for the future of public education in Kentucky.”
Mission Statement
Four Rivers Career Academy’s mission is to partner with districts, schools, families, students, business and industry, and communities to provide leadership and support to ensure success for each and every student.
Our Core Values
Four Rivers Career Academy’s core values are equity, achievement, collaboration, and integrity
At Four Rivers Career Academy, our goal is to make each student realize their true potential. We offer hands on project based learning environments that prepare students to step into the workforce or purse higher education with a full array of skills.
We believe that you are your best asset. This is why we offer students a chance to get creative, explore their strenghts, and find their passion. We are creating world changers one class period at a time.
