Pinellas Contingent Visit Career Academies
Pinellas Contingent Visit Career Academies in Manatee & St. Johns
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At St. Augustine High School in St. John's County, 70% of students are enrolled in an academy. The Pinellas group toured the Teaching and Aerospace Academies. St. Augustine boasts a 97% graduation rate while Braden River compares at 93%. Elliott Stern, retired exeutive from Raymond James and Board Member of the Pinellas Education Foundation shared his observations of the visits: "I was impressed with the sense of belonging students in the Academy programs felt at both schools. The students pride of accomplishment was overwhelming. The Academies' curricula were project based. Students that did not live in the zone for bus transportation had to provide their own. Both schools had up to date equipment and material i.e. flight simulators in the Aeronautic Engineering Academies. Clearly, the instructor’s enthusiasm in their classrooms was marvelous. St. Augustine H.S. Academy students were integrated with non-academy students in core classes and lunch periods. That was not the case at Braden River H.S. The students had little opportunity to mingle with students from other disciplines, as Braden River H.S. is a “wall to wall” Academy school." At St. Augustine, Pinellas representatives met with St. Johns County Schools Superintendent Joe Joyner, who spoke about his passion for expanding career education opportunities to all students in the district. St. Johns hosts an annual High School Showcase event. Two thousand eight grade stuetns visited this daytime event. Six high schools, along with First Coast Technical College, had their career academies, ROTC programs and acceleration programs on display. Students received information on the various programs, had fun exploring the many interactive exhibits and had the opportunity to speak with current high school academy students. An evening event was also held for parents, students, and the community. Joyner shared: "the goal of these programs is to encourage relevant academics through real-world activities tied to student interests. Students will prepare for further education in academic and career areas which require post-secondary education at a college, university, community college or technical institute and in career areas which are open for immediate employment upon graduation. Academy students can earn free college credits through dual enrollment or by earning industry certifications which may articulate to college credits."
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12090 STARKEY ROAD
LARGO, FL 33773
(727) 588-4816