College & Career Academies of Mesa Public Schools
FIND YOUR PATH. FIND YOUR FUTURE.
College and Career Academies are centered on these principles
Smaller Learner Communities
Smaller learning communities consist of teams of cohorted students, teachers, and business partners. Together, they create a collaborative environment that actively engages every student.
Learning Through a Career Lens
Real-world problems are brought into the classroom, fostering critical thinking and creativity. This approach not only meets academic standards and goals but also develops technical and employability skills that are valuable in both college and any career.
Graduation Plus Outcomes
Students will identify and pursue "pluses" that enhance their high school experience and future readiness, including industry certifications, work-based learning experiences, college credits, and advanced diploma designations. Each student will create a personalized college and career readiness plan, outlining their chosen pathways and opportunities.
Business and Community Collaboration
Local businesses and post-secondary institutions collaborate as advisers for teachers and mentors for students. These partnerships create relevant curriculum and give students access to job fairs, college visits, job shadowing, internships and so much more.
Parent Engagement
Parent and guardian participation is critical in supporting students' college and career success. Parents also provide useful expertise as professionals themselves and can mentor students, advise academies and provide other work based learning opportunities.
Academies at Grade Level
FRESHMAN ACADEMY
College and career academies for high school students start in freshman year, with the Freshman Academy offering unique and engaging experiences for 9th graders. Students will:
Join a small learning community with a core group of teachers and peers.
Develop essential skills, aligned to the Portrait of the Graduate, to navigate high school expectations and routines within a supportive environment.
Engage in deeper, more personalized learning experiences.
Identify their interests and strengths before choosing an academy for grades 10-12.
Connect with colleges and employers aligned with their interests.
Begin developing their high school and post secondary goals.
ALL YEAR
Freshman Seminar (AC30)
All freshmen will enroll in the Freshman Seminar, a year-long course focused on essential life skills such as financial literacy, initiative and responsibility, effective teamwork and communication, and critical thinking and problem-solving.
This course offers career exploration, life skills, and guidance in choosing an academy for the next three years, marking the start of each student’s journey to shape their future.
FALL SEMESTER
Each student will develop their college and career ready plan, identifying which “pluses” they would like to pursue in and out of high school. These include industry certifications, work based learning experiences, college credits and advanced diploma designations.
Career Exploration Fair
The career exploration fair lets students meet local professionals, engage in hands-on demos, explore career options, and attend sessions to plan their college or career path.
SPRING SEMESTER
College Connection
Freshman Academy students will connect with local colleges through research, on campus site visits and tours.
Academy Orientation
After choosing an academy and pathway for grades 10–12, freshmen and their parents will be invited to an orientation to meet fellow members, teachers, and celebrate the opportunities ahead.
Freshman Careers Interest Assessment
Since 2008, Mesa Public Schools has integrated career interest assessments into the State Board of Education’s Education Career Action Plan (ECAP) requirements. These assessments assist students in identifying their strengths, aptitudes, and interests, enabling them to make informed decisions about course selections and explore recommended college and career options. Through these assessments, students can align their interests, skills, and passions with high school academy and course offerings, as well as potential college and career pathways. Students engage in exploratory projects and activities throughout the year based on their results. Currently the district is using an assessment provided by YouScience Bright Path or Arizona Department of Education’s My Future AZ.
College & Career Academies 10th - 12th Grade
Students in grades 10-12 join a career themed academy their sophomore year that connects academic subjects to a broad career theme through an Academy Core of classes. In addition;
Students and teachers engage in experiential learning, bringing lessons to life while developing skills in collaboration, communication, and critical and creative thinking.
Every student has the opportunity to participate in guaranteed experiences that deepen their understanding of various college and career opportunities.
Students have increased access to earning college credits and industry credentials.
They gain valuable work experience and networking opportunities.
Each student develops a postsecondary plan tailored to their chosen path after high school.
Academy Choices
Academies are aligned with broad career themes, opening pathways to a wide range of college and career opportunities. Through these themes, students cultivate skills aligned with the Portrait of a Graduate, preparing them for future success. In addition to the Academy Core, students will be cohorted with academic classes offering students the opportunity to learn and apply academic skills through the lens of the academy theme. The current academy themes include:
Frequently Asked Questions