FAQ

The primary strategy for achieving transformation will be the creation of a career-themed academy at Hamilton Heights High School. The academy will provide students with planned elective pathways beginning with an orientation experience or Freshman Academy during their 9th grade (freshman) year.

Students will choose an academy pathway within one of the available career-themed academies at the end of their freshman year. The academy pathway is made up of a sequence of at least three elective courses aligned to a viable college, trade school and/or career pathway that are completed during the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.

The progression of courses will be coupled with learning experiences that bring businesses and college/trade school partners into the school setting and sending students out to college/trade school campuses and into the workplace to explore and apply what they are learning in high school at a deeper level.

In the summer of 2022, Hamilton Heights partnered with Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL) for coaching on how to reimagine high schools thanks to a grant received through Central Indiana Education Services Center (CIESC). At that point, the Ford NGL team spent several months conducting virtual and in-person focus group conversations with a wide variety of stakeholders including Hamilton Heights teachers, students, parents, district leadership, middle and high school leadership, business and community leaders, and colleges/trade schools to examine our community’s desire and potential for transforming our high schools through more community-connected learning opportunities.

A graduation pathway enables students to individualize their graduation requirements to align to their postsecondary goal of Enrollment, Employment, or Enlistment leading to service. They can choose the high school pathway that best meets their postsecondary needs and aspirations.

A variety of stakeholders will work together on the master plan, including teachers, students, parents, district leadership, union leaders, high school leadership, business and community leaders and representatives of colleges and trade schools. These individuals will also participate in task forces focused on a variety of topics and develop detailed plans for implementation for the 2024-25.