The Freshman Academy is designed to set students up for success in high school by providing foundational required coursework to include support in the development of time management, study skills, and a college, career, and life plan.
Freshman Academy
Academy Overview
The Freshman Academy is a small learning community with a network of teachers focused on helping you make a successful high school transition and future pathway selection. This Academy will provide coursework in core content areas, elective opportunities, and career and pathway exploration through the Freshman Seminar course. In the Freshman Seminar course, you will explore the nine RCAS Pathways and have the opportunity at the end of your Freshman year to select a pathway to enter in the 10th grade.
Within the Freshman Academy, you can earn up to eight (8) credits.
Key Terms
Pathway
A pathway is a course of study offered in our two comprehensive high schools and, in some cases, in partnership with institutions of higher education. When fully developed, each pathway will include two or three courses organized around a career theme and offered in a planned sequence of courses that move from general knowledge to deeper skills.
Within an RCAS Pathway, a student will take:
A Pathway Introductory Course;
A Pathway Explore Course;
A Pathway Engage Course, which could include a Capstone Course; and an optional Specialized Pathway or Capstone Course; and
Electives, including Fine Arts, World Language, Physical Education, and Special Offering courses.
GRADtime
GRADtime is an intentional time for you to interact with school counselors to develop a College, Career, and Life Ready plan beyond high school. Teachers, with the support of school counselors and social workers, will facilitate GRADtime eight times per year which will offer you the opportunity to receive Graduation, Readiness, Advising, and Direction in a classroom setting through an online learning platform. This advisory course will allow you to have intentional time to explore college and career options, reflect on your own educational journey, learn about healthy relationships, and obtain the skills needed to fulfill the RCAS Profile of a Graduate.
The purpose of the RCAS Pathways is to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to explore career options in high school as well as build strong connections to employers, institutions of higher education, and community-based organizations.
This approach will help students develop a plan that leads graduates to a successful transition beyond high school including postsecondary education and training, careers, and life responsibilities.
21st Century Skills
The RCAS Pathways will prepare students to graduate with the necessary skills and competencies that support the RCAS Profile of a Graduate.
Certifications
Each Pathway will offer students the opportunity to earn a nationally-recognized industry certification.
Earning College Credit
All Pathways will allow students the opportunity to earn college credit aligned with their selected pathway.
Partnerships
Business and community partnerships are an integral piece of the RCAS Pathways model.
There are currently more than 215 partners working with our students in grades K-12 in career-connected
learning opportunities.
Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning allows students to learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.
Work-based Learning
Job Shadow, Internship, and Service Learning opportunities allow students to make real-world connections to the content they are learning.
Graduation Requirements
As part of the RCAS Pathways, every RCAS high school student will take a one-semester Freshman Seminar course. This course will provide students with important skills for high school, future workplace success, and introduce them to the RCAS Pathways. Each student will take a Pathway Engage Course in one of the nine pathways housed at our two comprehensive high schools. This course is designed to guide exploration of their chosen pathway. To learn more about the graduation requirements click here.