Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Academy of Professional Educators?

The Academy of Professional Educators is a small learning community within Middle Creek High School.  It is designed as a four-year program able to accommodate 25 students in each grade level cohort.  Students take a sequence of courses over the four years along with core academic classes with education-themed topics woven through the curriculum.  In addition to the coursework, the student completes a series of work-based learning experiences.  This strategy better prepares students for both college and careers. 

Who is the Academy for?

Under current school board policy, only students assigned to Middle Creek High School may apply for and be admitted into the Academy.  The Academy has an open and equitable application process that results in a student body that reflects the demographics of the MCHS community. Students are not usually admitted into the Academy after their freshman year. However, in unusual circumstances, a seat will open in the academy, and we can fill the seat from our waitlist. We do not fill empty seats after sophomore year. Students must be on the standard course of study and should be interested in developing their leadership skills and being in classes with like-minded students.  

Is the Academy only for students interested in Teaching?

No.  While many students in the Academy are interested in education as a profession, the skills students learn in the Academy are transferable to any career field.  Students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and communication skills among others.  

What are the benefits of being enrolled in the Academy?

While there are a number of benefits to being in a career academy:

• Being part of a small learning community
• Classes grouped with like-minded peers
• Project-based learning
• Real-world applications
• Career exploration: site visits, guest speakers, design labs
• Support from businesses and post-secondary institutions
• College & career-focused courses
• Unique experiences to complement college applications and resumes
• Senior internship built into their school day

How many students typically apply to the Academy each year?

On average, we see about 30 applications for 25 available seats. This number has been lower since Covid, but I expect that number to go up in the future. 

Can students take honors and AP level classes while in the Academy?

Yes. Students in the Academy of Professional Educators will take some Honors and AP level courses as a core requirement of the Academy pathway. In addition, students will take their other core classes such as Science, Math, and Social Studies and can choose the level appropriate for them. They can also choose honors and AP elective courses outside the Academy pathway. Not all courses will be possible each year, but students are usually able to find space to take the courses they want at some point during their four years of high school.  

Can students take other elective courses?

Yes.  While students are required to take the academy courses in addition to an internship, there is still room in their schedule to take other elective courses.  

How should incoming freshmen register for classes?

Incoming freshmen should register for classes as if they are not in the academy.  Once pulled into the program, classes will be adjusted to reflect the academy cohort classes. 

Is the Academy more difficult?

No. All Academy courses follow the NC standard course of study.  What's different is the integration of education topics/experiences into core classes, interdisciplinary teaching, and project-based learning.  Work-based learning and soft skills are also a strong focus in Academy classes.  Academy students have many projects that involve working in a team and giving presentations.  

Are there any conflicts with athletics or clubs? 

No. Many Academy students participate in athletics and extra-curricular clubs.

Are there any costs associated with the Academy?

Yes. Students are required to purchase an Academy shirt to wear for presentations and for off-campus learning experiences.  In addition, students must pay the expenses associated with field trips. The inability to pay will not have any impact on student participation in the Academy. 

Can students drop out of the Academy? 

We typically have a waitlist for the Academy and we don't fill spots after a cohort's sophomore year.  We expect students and their family to seriously consider their decision to enroll because we expect a four-year commitment to the program.