Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Academy?

• Beginning in the fall of 2024, South Sioux City High School will begin its transition into college and career academies. The Academies of South Sioux City high school will provide students the advanced skills they need to be successful, productive citizens in college, career and life. The academy structure links students with peers, teachers and community partners in an environment centered around student interest to foster academic success. 

How does an Academy Work? 

• During Freshman Academy, students will chart their unique academy pathway. South Sioux City High School 

What are SSCHS Academies and Pathways? 

The Academy of Business and Programming

• Accounting & Finance

• Management & Marketing

• Programming & Coding

The Academy of Construction and Engineering

• Construction

• Engineering & Design

• Manufacturing & Metals

Public and Human Services

• Education

• Health

• Law & Criminal Justice

How are academies chosen? Why were the specific pathways selected?

The academies and pathways were chosen using the H3 to guide our work. H3 stands for High Skill, High Wage, High Demand. H3 serves as a model for which we can make academy and pathway decisions in order to prepare students for success in their future while ensuring access to community partners. We’ve partnered with the Siouxland community and analyzed the Siouxland laborshed to have the latest data and trends in workforce development data to make informed decisions

What is the End Game? 

Increase Attendance and Graduation Rates

• • By offering engaging, pathway-specific learning experiences, we aim to keep students invested in their education and on track for graduation.

Foster a Strong Sense of Belonging

• • Our academies provide smaller, close-knit communities within the high school, ensuring that each student feels supported and valued.

Boost Engagement in School and Community

• Students will actively participate in projects, extracurricular activities, and community service, connecting their learning to real-world applications.

Prepare Students for College, Careers, and Beyond

• Every student will graduate with a clear plan for their future, supported by an electronic portfolio, pathway-specific experiences, and opportunities to earn industry certifications, college credits, or a Seal of Biliteracy.

Develop Productive Members of Society

• With a focus on transferable skills, technology proficiency, and global readiness, students will leave South Sioux City High School prepared to make meaningful contributions in their communities and the world.

What is Our Timeline? 

2024-2025

9th Grade

• Freshman Academy Launch (Class of 2028)

2025-2026

9th & 10th Grade

• Freshman Academy (Class of 2029)

• Implementation of upper Academies and Pathways (Class of 2028)

2026-2027

9th, 10th, & 11th Grade

• Freshman Academy (Class of 2030)

• Implementation of upper Academies and Pathways (Classes of 2028 and 2029)

2027-2028

9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th Grade

• Freshman Academy (Class of 2031)

• Implementation of upper Academies and Pathways (Classes of 2029 and 2030)

• Senior Capstone (Class of 2028)