Fern Creek and Seneca high schools have joined a small, national fraternity of U.S. high schools. They are among fewer than 300 high schools whose academies have achieved model status from the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC). All four of Seneca’s Academies and Fern Creek’s Freshman Academy met the national standards for recognition. They join Waggener High School as the only high schools in Kentucky whose academies have received the accreditation from NCAC.
“This is an incredible achievement by two more of our Academies of Louisville high schools,” said Dr. Marty Pollio, Superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). “It is further proof that JCPS, and Fern Creek, Seneca and Waggener in particular, has become a national model for helping students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for college or a career.”
The academy concept has three main components:
A small learning community
A college-prep curriculum with a career theme
Partnerships with employers, colleges and the community
Schools must apply for NCAC to review their academies programming. After a series of submissions, interviews with students, staff and community partners, and a site visit by an NCAC review team, the JCPS schools’ academies were awarded model status. Seneca’s Freshman, Agriscience and Leadership, Health Science and Innovate academies were all recognized by NCAC as meeting its standards.
“Everyone in our building has contributed to the success of our academies,” said Emily Wirtzberger, Seneca’s academy coach. “From the math teacher who supported the business pathway’s stock market challenge to the students who confidently provided feedback and input on our advisory boards. From our bookkeeper who helped us coordinate transportation for our industry tours, college visits, and job shadows to our career tech teachers who work tirelessly with our business partners to connect our classrooms to careers in the community. Everyone helped us become a national model.”
Seneca and Fern Creek’s Freshman academies earned exceptional scores from the NCAC review, with Seneca achieving model status with distinction.
“I’m so proud of our Freshman Academy for earning NCAC accreditation!” said Sara Abell, Fern Creek academy coach. “This is a huge win for our team and a testament to the heart and hard work we put into giving our students the best start possible.”
Last year, Waggener became the first high school in Kentucky to receive the NCAC model designation when three of its academies met the national standards.