JA Academy at NHS

 

What is the JA Academy?

 

The Junior Achievement Academy at Norcross is a full immersion “school within a school” that is designed to provide students with a rigorous standards-based education infused with career readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills.  Students engage in hands-on experiences in an integrated curriculum that combine core high school subjects with career and technical education that blends college and career preparation.  Drawing on JA’s partnerships throughout the business community, JA Academy students have access and connectivity to elite companies though mentors, executive guest seminars, professional advisors, case studies, project-based business challenges, site visits, and internships.  Students in the program will achieve certification in up to four Career Pathways, while also gaining real-world experience through an internship during their senior year, and launching their own entrepreneurial venture through high school.  Additionally, the JA Academy provides an Entrepreneurial Incubator in the 10th-12th grade years, which leads students through the time-tested methods of JA entrepreneurship as students launch and build their businesses throughout the course of high school. 

 

What College-Career Pathways will students complete?

 

Students in the JA Academy will complete up to four career pathways. These pathways will give students the option of earning a career certificate at the end of their four years in the program.

Career Pathways offered will include:

• Business and Technology

• Entrepreneurship

• Financial Services

• Marketing and Management (optional)

 

Who are the JA Students?

 

The JA Academy student is any student who enjoys gaining real-world experience through visits to community businesses, job shadowing, mentoring, networking with community leaders and tackling business challenges through case studies.  Eligible students should have good grades and evidence of leadership skills and self-motivation.  Only a limited number of students will be accepted through the competitive process.

 

Can a student be a part of the JA Academy and the International Baccalaureate program?

 

Yes, students are able to participate in the IB Program and in the JA Academy.  While students will not be able to complete the full IB Diploma Program, students will have the option of being an IB Course Certificate student and taking many Advanced Placement courses.

 

How will students be selected for the program?

 

Students in Pickneyville and Summerour Middle School will indicate a preference in the Fall of 2017.  If a student is from another school, please contact our team and indicate an interest.  Student middle school records will be evaluated for placement.  Additionally, some students will be invited to apply through a review of  middle school academic performance.  Students must have performed well in their academic classes in the seventh and the eighth grades to be considered for the program. 

 

Will students be able to participate in extracurricular activities at Norcross?

 

Yes.  We realize that part of the unique experience of high school is the many opportunities to be involved in and explore a variety of sports and clubs.  As part of the JA Academy, students will be able to participate in any club or activity offered at Norcross High School. 

 

What courses are involved in the JA Academy?

 

Students will take honors level college preparation courses with the option of taking Advanced Placement and IB Course Certificate courses within the scope of their four years in the program.  Within each academic year students will be taking up to 8 classes in a semester including core classes, world languages, Career and Technical Education classes and an elective.  Students will have elective options that include Band or Art.   Additionally students will have the opportunity to be involved in mentorships, internships, and job shadowing. 

 

Sample Schedules

 

**Actual courses offered will vary based on student course selection and are subject to availability**

 

Sample A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sample B

 

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