The Academies at Sherwood High School
Sherwood High School will be implementing an academy model, based on input from parents, students, and staff. This decision is based on the knowledge that students are more connected to high school when they can relate their educational program to college and real world experiences and when they build relationships with staff and one another.
Academy participation will be phased in over the next several years. Beginning with the class of 2013, all students will participate in an academy. However, all students have access to existing courses in the academies and pathways. As the academies are rolled out, additional courses and opportunities will be available. Students may always choose courses from any area, regardless of the pathway they are following.
The Academies at Sherwood High School are comprised of the following: Academy of Business and Hospitality, Academy of Engineering and Technology, Academy of Science, and Academy of Arts and Humanities. Within each academy are pathways that allow students to focus on their academic interests. The academies are designed to let students pursue areas that interest them along with giving them the knowledge and skills needed to excel and thrive in college. Another benefit of being in an academy is that students tend to be more connected to high school course work when they can relate their educational program to college and real world experiences.
Each Academy has the following components:
- Coursework: 3 credits of required and elective courses in the pathway.
- Capstone Experience: coursework in a college course, AP course, internship, or guided research class.
- Participation in value-added activities: field trips, guest speakers, college visits, activities, etc.
Capstone Experiences
Students are certified as academy graduates upon completion of all required academy coursework as well as a capstone experience. A capstone experience is a culmination of the skills and knowledge students have acquired via their academy coursework and associated activities.
There are several types of capstone experiences, including internships, senior projects, guided research projects or college courses. These activities are designed and developed with the student in collaboration with the Academy Lead Teacher and/or a faculty member as assigned.
Time will be provided in accordance with the student’s schedule and input from the guidance counselor. If a student is interested in an internship, this will be coordinated by the Academy Lead teacher and the Internship Coordinator.
Capstone Projects must be in depth, challenging, and reflective of the academy required courses and career focus. Students will be guided and advised in completion of these activities by the lead teacher and/or faculty assigned. Every student should work to the very best of his/her ability to complete the capstone. If the student is assigned an internship, a portfolio should be created to document the internship experience. Other capstone experiences may also culminate in a portfolio, or as a research paper, event, presentation, etc. Every student may request at least one (1) class period in the second semester devoted to the preparation of the capstone activity.
Academy Lead Teachers will support students in any way possible to promote student success in the completion of these capstone experiences. Students should always feel free to contact their lead teacher and/or faculty supervisor on the project