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Career Academies of Joplin: Transforming the High School Experience

Six vertical banners representing JHS & FTC Career Academies, each featuring an eagle logo at the top. The banners are labeled: 'Freshman Academy' (white), 'Business + Info Tech' (red), 'Human Services' (light blue), 'Arts & Communication' (yellow), 'Technical Sciences' (gray), and 'Health Sciences' (dark blue), with corresponding icons

Explore the Career Academies of Joplin

Building on our Strengths

Career Academies will provide career-focused foundations that leverage existing core credits with clustered pathways to provide a solid base for academic and post-secondary success. Learn more about how the strengths of Joplin High School and Franklin Technology Center work together to support students.

Early Exploration

College Credit Courses

Industry Recognized Credentials

Industry & Community Partners

The Three Pillars of Transformation

Career-themed academies chosen by students. Core academics infused with student interests. Voice and choice at the forefront.

 

Project-based learning. Real-world internships and student-run businesses. Senior capstone projects integrating project management and community service.

 

Employers and civic leaders preparing students for future careers. Industry-led classroom projects. Teacher externships enhancing curriculum relevance.

  • Career-themed academies chosen by students. Core academics infused with student interests. Voice and choice at the forefront.

     

  • Project-based learning. Real-world internships and student-run businesses. Senior capstone projects integrating project management and community service.

     

  • Employers and civic leaders preparing students for future careers. Industry-led classroom projects. Teacher externships enhancing curriculum relevance.

A diagram of circles representing the Academy Model at JHS. The center, largest circle is labeled 'Academic Core' with Freshman Academy arching over its top half. Below that are 5 smaller circles that branch off the main, labeled with each of the 5 academies: Business & Information Technology in crimson, Arts & Communication in yellow, Health Sciences in navy, Human Services in Sky Blue, and Technical Sciences in grey. Inside each smaller academy circle there are representative career paths that can be accessed through each particular academy.

Courses in the Academy Setting

Enrollment in all courses is driven by student voice and choice, empowering students to personalize their learning journey in pursuit of their passions.

  1. Pathway Courses: These specialized courses align with student interests and career aspirations, fostering deep learning and skill development
  2. Core Subjects: Integrating Design Thinking and Project-Based Learning creates immersive, real-world experiences, where students learn by doing and apply their knowledge to solve problems. 
  3. Global Electives: Offering a diverse range of subjects, these courses broaden perspectives and enhance cultural understanding, preparing students for global citizenship and leadership roles. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Career Academies

  • Career Academies of Joplin are personalized learning communities guiding students toward college and career success. Every high school student in Joplin Schools is enrolled in Freshman Academy during their 9th grade year to build an academic and exploratory foundation before continuing on their path toward college and career success in one of the 5 Career Academies of Joplin.

    Each Career Academy is made up of 3 key components:

    • A small learning community of students and teachers
    • A college-preparatory curriculum linked to a career theme
    • Partnerships with local businesses and post-secondary institutions

  • Career Academies aim to improve student engagement, increase graduation rates, and provide pathways to post-secondary education and careers.

  • Typically, Career Academies are open to all students but some may have specific applications or selection processes based on interest or availability. Your school counselor can tell you more about these processes for your chosen academy.

    • Freshman Academy (open to 9th graders only)
    • Business & Information Technology
    • Arts & Communication
    • Health Sciences
    • Human Services
    • Technical Sciences

    A diagram of circles representing the Academy Model at JHS. The center, largest circle is labeled 'Academic Core' with Freshman Academy arching over its top half. Below that are 5 smaller circles that branch off the main, labeled with each of the 5 academies: Business & Information Technology in crimson, Arts & Communication in yellow, Health Sciences in navy, Human Services in Sky Blue, and Technical Sciences in grey. Inside each smaller academy circle there are representative career paths that can be accessed through each particular academy.

  • Pathways vary by Academy as follows:

    • In Business & Information Technology: pathways for Information Technology careers, Business careers, or Marketing careers.
    • In Arts & Communication: pathways for Visual Arts, Foreign Language, and Mixed Media Technology.
    • In Health Sciences: pathways for Pre-Med/BSN, Sports Medicine, and Medical Technician/Nursing Assistant.
    • In Human Services: pathways for Education, Social Work, Hospitality/Tourism, and Leadership
    • In Technical Sciences: pathways for Agriculture, Engineering, and Skilled Services

  • Students enroll in core academic courses alongside career-focused classes that relate to their chosen pathway. In 10th grade, these career-focused classes relate to Preparation; in 11th grade they relate to Immersion; and in 12th grade they relate to Application.

  • Yes, students in Career Academies can typically participate in sports, clubs or other school activities.

  • No, Career Academies are designed to prepare students for both college and career pathways, keeping future options open.

  • By providing relevant, hands-on learning experiences and stronger connections to real-world applications, Academies often boost student enagement and retention.

  • Graduates often have access to college credit, industry certifications, and internships that enhance their readiness for further education or employment.

  • Teachers work in teams to deliver integrated instruction, often collaborating to align academic content with career themes.

  • Local businesses and organizations provide internships, mentorships, guest speakers, and input on curriculum to ensure alignment with industry needs.

  • Colleges may offer dual-credit enrollment courses, career fairs, and guidance on aligning with academy programs with post-secondary requirements.

  • Common challenges include securing funding, building community partnerships, training staff, and balancing Academy programs with traditional school structures.

  • Funding often comes from a combination of federal and state grants, local business partnerships, and district resources.

  • Success is measured through metrics like graduation rates, college enrollment, job placement, and student engagement surveys.

  • Career Academies strive to provide access to all students, regardless of background, with a focus on serving underrepresented or at-risk populations.

  • Schools often offer recruitment outreach, open applications, and support programs to make Academies accessible to diverse populations. Students at Joplin High School will be directed through the process of signing into a Career Academy at the end of their Freshman year, and will maintain contact with Academy teachers and their school counselor throughout their pathways until graduation.