The High School Project: Introducing the Academy Model

Since 2019, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has been planning an educational redesign for Alexandria City High School (ACHS). We are excited to transition to the academy model for the 2024-25 school year, which will be a significant stride toward fostering educational excellence at ACHS. The High School Project also aims to provide a state-of-the art educational facility. With the opening of the new Minnie Howard Campus, ACHS will now have four campuses for grades 9-12 students: King Street, Minnie Howard, Satellite and Chance For Change.

Mr. Alexander Duncan, ACHS executive principal stated, “This is an exciting time for Alexandria City High School. We are excited to expand our instructional program with the academy model, as it will provide students an instructional experience that is rooted in their interests. Not only that, but the academy experience will prepare students to be lifelong learners exploring 21st century career paths and interests.” 

The new Minnie Howard Campus will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, contemporary amenities and state-of-the-art learning spaces. The facilities aspect of The High School Project reinforces ACPS' commitment to nurture academic achievement, creativity and collaboration among students. Dr. Alicia Hart, chief operating officer, stated, “We are beyond excited to open the new campus building within the Connected High School Network. The new Minnie Howard Campus will support student achievement and growth through modern and innovative facility space design.”

The new Minnie Howard Campus will boast flexible and synergistic learning spaces, designed to adapt to various teaching methodologies. Classrooms are designed to create an immersive and interactive learning environment. The new Minnie Howard also aligns with ACPS’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. The building will incorporate eco-friendly features and energy-efficient systems to create a healthy and environmentally-conscious learning environment.

Dr. Pierrette Finney, chief academic officer and Carmen Sanders, executive director of instructional support, of the Department of Teaching, Learning and Leadership along with  Duncan and the ACHS administrative team have spearheaded the educational design at ACHS. The effort has also been supported by our external consultants from Learner Centered Collaborative. “Having four grades 9-12 campuses has afforded the instructional high school project team to think creatively about how we provide instruction to students,” Dr. Finney stated.

The expansion of the academies and pathways model at ACHS will allow approximately 4,600 students to engage in small learning communities. During the 2024-25 school year, ACHS will open six focused academies. The academies that will be offered at ACHS are Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy; Business and Government Academy; Education, Liberal Arts, and Human Services Academy; Visual, Performing and Applied Arts Academy; Global Studies Academy; and General Studies Academy.

Each academy is designed to prepare students for life, college and career readiness and will have a variety of pathways that offer an engaging curriculum, project-based learning and an emphasis on community partnerships. 

“The Academies and Pathways give students the opportunity to study areas of interest and passion, while also fulfilling courses required for graduation like English, social studies, science and math. The smaller learning communities will form through elective courses aligned with an academy’s pathway, advisory and theme-based study in core content classes. The internal high school planning teams are working to make this happen through the master schedule process and staff professional learning offerings,” Sanders stated.

The High School Project is a collaborative effort involving multiple ACPS departments, teachers, families, students and community stakeholders in the development of career academies located at ACHS. We look forward to sharing more information with families as we continue to plan for the 2024-25 school year.