To highlight the district’s academy programs, open houses will be hosted at all five high schools, with sessions beginning at 7 p.m. and repeating at 8:15 on Sept. 20 and Sept. 22.
The events are designed to assist middle school students and their parents as they test their interests and prepare for college and careers as well as learn about the academies and the application process for these programs, the news release said.
Pathways highlighted through the academies include science, engineering and high technology, gifted and talented, visual and performing arts, broadcast education and communication networks and world languages and international studies.
“The academies tap the talents and skills of high school students and takes them to new levels of learning,” said Dr. Terri Lozier, U-46 Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Instruction and Equity in a news release. “These students tackle a rigorous curriculum that allows them to flourish.”
Applications will be accepted starting on Sept. 20 and the deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. Oct. 11. For more information about the academies or the application process, go to http://www.u-46.org/pages/SDU46/Departments_Programs/High_School_Academies/News/Application_Deadline
All entrants must be eight-grade students who live within the U46 boundaries in order gain into programs, which offer hands-on, industry-specific, state-of-the-art technology and an opportunity to get a head start on higher education, officials said.
“Being in the Academy will help you get closer to your dreams, step by step,” said Larkin High School Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPAA) senior Tania Muro. “The VPAA has helped my passion for the arts grow stronger by the day and pushes me to do my best by providing opportunities to compete with judges that give you honest feedback on your musical abilities.”