The Waterloo School Community commits to a comprehensive system of education and support to ensure that each and every student will graduate ready for college, career, and citizenship as evidenced by continuing education, pursuing a career path, and contributing to a community.
Two major projects have emerged from this vision, Performance Based Diploma Academies and Career Interest Academies.
Career Interest Academies The Waterloo School Community commits to a comprehensive system of education and support to that each and every student will graduate ready for: college, career, and citizenship as evidenced by continuing education, pursuing a career path, and contributing to a community.
To help prepare students for the real world, the district has introduced Career Interest Academies, a new program, in the 2010-11 school year. Career Academies are small learning communities of 300-400 students taking curriculum courses with a career theme. Partnerships with employers, the community, and higher education are incorporated to provide work-based learning opportunities.
Some common themes include: construction, business and finance, performing arts, health care, marketing, and engineering. These smaller learning communities will integrate academic and career themed instruction to enhance real-world relevance and maintain high academic standards. Parents and counselors help students select their area of interest to pursue. Students can remain together for four years with an administrator and guidance counselor, but they are able to change academies at semester if they wish to.
If you have any questions, contact Mary Meier at 433-1835 or meierm@waterloo.k12.ia.us.
Click here to see a FAQ brochure for Career Interest Academies. Career Interest Academy Brochure or click here to view a photo gallery of students engaged in hands on activities in each academy.
