frequently asked questions

The 865 Academies are career-focused programs that help you explore future careers and develop real-world skills. Each academy focuses on a specific industry or career pathway, giving you hands-on experiences and opportunities to connect with local businesses and postsecondary institutions.

You’ll gain valuable career experience, learn skills that prepare you for life after high school, and have access to internships, job shadowing opportunities, and industry certifications. These experiences can help you stand out, no matter your future plans. 

The goal is to better prepare you for life after graduation by giving you the tools and experiences you need to succeed in college, careers, or technical fields. It’s about connecting your education to your future.

No. The academies integrate your core classes with your career interests, so what you’re learning in subjects like math and English connects to real-world applications in your chosen pathway.

An academy is the overall program, while a pathway is a specific area within the academy. For example, Halls High School has these academy and pathway offerings.

Absolutely! The academies are designed to give you options. Trade-focused pathways help you build skills for a career while still meeting all the requirements for college admission.

Each school designs its academies based on the needs of its students and the surrounding community. This ensures your school offers pathways connected to local opportunities.

Pathways are chosen based on input from students, parents, local businesses, and school staff to reflect the needs and interests of the community.

These are hands-on learning opportunities—like job shadowing, industry tours, or internships—that every academy student is guaranteed to complete before graduation.

Freshman Academy is your introduction to high school and the 865 Academies. You’ll take classes that help you explore your strengths and interests before choosing an academy in 10th grade.

Yes! You can be part of an academy and still participate in extracurriculars like band, choir, or sports. View the Sample Four-Year Course load to see your options.

Yes. If you feel your chosen academy isn’t the right fit, you can work with your counselor to explore other options and change your academy one time.

Your core classes will include projects and lessons connected to your academy’s theme, helping you see how subjects like math, science, and English apply to real-world careers.

The 865 Academies are career-focused programs in Knox County high schools that prepare students for life after graduation. They offer hands-on experiences, industry connections, and personalized learning opportunities.

Your student will explore career options, gain valuable skills, and build a strong foundation for college or a career. They’ll also connect with industry professionals through internships and job shadowing.

KCS is committed to ensuring students graduate with the skills and experiences needed for success in today’s job market, whether they choose college, a trade, or other career paths.

No. The academies combine career-focused pathways with core classes, creating a well-rounded education that applies to real-world opportunities.

These are structured opportunities, such as industry tours, internships, or job shadowing, that every academy student completes to gain real-world experience.

Freshman Academy is a program for 9th graders to help them transition to high school and explore their interests before selecting an academy in 10th grade.

Yes! The academies are designed to fit with your student’s extracurricular activities.

Academies are currently limited to each school’s offerings. If a different academy fits your student’s interests, contact your school counselor to discuss options.

Encourage them to explore the opportunities in their current academy, and if it’s not a good fit, they can work with their counselor to find a better match.

Yes. Your student can switch academies one time after discussing their options with their counselor.

Core classes incorporate projects and lessons that align with the academy’s career focus, helping students connect their education to their future.

The 865 Academies are career-focused programs in Knox County high schools designed to prepare students for life after graduation. They provide hands-on learning opportunities, industry-specific education, and real-world experiences in partnership with local businesses. Each academy focuses on a specific career field—like healthcare, business, or engineering—helping students connect their education to future career goals.

Knox County Schools recognized the importance of preparing students for the demands of today’s workforce. The 865 Academies were created to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing students with meaningful career experiences, teaching valuable workplace skills, and building connections with local businesses. The initiative is also a response to the needs of the community, helping to build a stronger, more prepared local workforce.

Partnering with the 865 Academies is an investment in your community and future workforce. By collaborating with local schools, you help shape the skills and knowledge of students who could one day work for your company. It’s an opportunity to build brand awareness, share expertise, and create a pipeline of skilled, motivated employees. Additionally, it demonstrates your commitment to education and community development, which can enhance your business’s reputation.

By partnering with the 865 Academies, your business gains access to talented students who are eager to learn and develop their skills. You’ll have the chance to train potential future employees, strengthen your presence in the community, and inspire the next generation of professionals. Partnerships can also boost employee morale by involving your team in mentorship and training opportunities, creating a positive impact for both your business and the students.

That’s great! You can choose to focus your efforts on one school whose pathways align with your business’s needs or interests. For example, if your business specializes in healthcare, you can partner with a school offering a health sciences academy. However, you’re also welcome to expand your involvement to multiple schools if that aligns with your goals.

There are many ways to partner with the 865 Academies, including: 

• Hosting job shadowing opportunities: Allow students to spend a day observing your workplace. 
• Providing internships or apprenticeships: Give students hands-on experience in their chosen field. 
• Offering industry tours: Help students see what your business is all about. 
• Participating in career fairs: Share insights about your industry and business. 
• Serving as a guest speaker or mentor: Inspire students with your story and expertise. 
• Collaborating on curriculum development: Ensure students are learning skills relevant to your industry. 
• Donating resources or equipment: Provide tools that enhance hands-on learning.

Financial contributions are welcome, but we’d love for you to go a step further and share your expertise with our students. Hosting job shadowing opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, or industry tours can make a lasting impact and help prepare students for their future careers. Your involvement in these experiences not only benefits the students but also allows your business to connect directly with potential future employees.

Visit our partner page to get connected with the 865 Academies team! They can provide more information, answer your questions, and help you find the best ways to partner with us.

Absolutely! Small businesses are vital to the success of the 865 Academies. Even if you don’t have the resources to host a large internship program, there are many ways to contribute. Offering job shadowing, speaking to students about your industry, or providing a brief workplace tour can make a big difference. Every contribution helps inspire and prepare our students for the future.