Freshman Academy

The 865 Academies initiative is aimed at transforming the high school experience for Knox County students, and Freshman Academy is the first step on that journey.

Freshman Academy is designed to welcome 9^th-graders to high school, provide a smaller learning community to build connections with teachers and classmates, and prepare students to select an academy pathway for Grades 10-12.

This happens in several ways:

• Freshman Seminar is a class that focuses on helping students identify interests, aptitudes, and professional skills, through tools, including the YouScience assessment tool;
• Career Exploration activities introduce students to professional opportunities and host guest speakers from various industries;
• Advanced Academics activities prepare students to pursue advanced academic classes (Advanced Placement, Cambridge, or International Baccalaureate), obtain industry credentials or receive dual enrollment credit through a community college; and
• College visits provide exposure to academic opportunities beyond high school.

The transition from middle school to high school is essential for academic success, and Freshman Academy will prepare students to take advantage of all The 865 Academies have to offer!