Chesterfield Community High School is changing and in a major way. College and Career Academies combine the best of traditional academic instruction and vocational education in preparing students for both college and careers. Community High School has been a school, which helps students who have fallen behind or are at risk.
Soon to called an Academy much like Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) specialty centers, it will provide students with information about areas of interest woven into their traditional coursework, making school more relevant to them. According to CCPS specialty schools create a personalized experience for students.
Community High School will now offer:
A recommended sequence of courses
A capstone project or work site experience
An advisory board that creates partnerships with higher education (college) and employers
Students who choose to participate in a Career Academy will be part of a small cohort of students sharing similar interests and completing courses together in a clearly defined pathway for graduation. Every student has an advisor and Academy business mentors answer questions and help students as they prepare for the future.
Students in each Academy will have the opportunity to earn Early College Scholar designation by completing at least 15 credits of dual enrollment. Dual enrollment, typically reserved for highly performing college bound students and that level work.
The academies include:
Construction and Power Academy
Business and Information Technology Academy
Child Development Academy
Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation Academy
Senior Academy
The course sequences are in the process of being developed with the assistance of Dr. Eshelman and the CTE staff. New courses will be phased in beginning with the 2015-16 school year.
Personalized learning is what the CCPS Design for Excellence 2020 is all about. At Community High School, each student, as part of their orientation, will work with school staff to create a Personalized Education Plan (PEP) that guides their high school experience. Students who graduate from Community High School will be allowed to replace grades in any course, including F’s, which they repeat.
