Board advances career academies

The North Little Rock School Board on Thursday approved Superintendent Gregory J. Pilewski’s recommendation to name the career academies that will be available for students at North Little Rock High School and the Center of Excellence.

Pulaski County’s four traditional public school systems, in conjunction with the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, have adopted the Ford Next Generation Learning model of blending high school academics and career education to transform high schools into career-themed academies.

The North Little Rock School District career academies and the pathways for students:

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

■ Academy of Engineering Technology and Computer Science: Advanced Manufacturing, Computer Science and Pre-Engineering.

■ Academy of Health Sciences: Law Enforcement Services and Therapeutic Services.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL

■ Academy of Business, Hospitality and Future Technology; Banking Services; Programming and Software Development; and Travel and Tourism.

■ Academy of Digital Visual & Performing Arts: Dance, Journalism and Broadcasting, Theatre and Visual Arts.

■ Academy of Health & Human Services: Family and Consumer Services; Teaching and Training; and Therapeutic Services.

North Little Rock High will add its themed academies next school year, according to the district. The themes for the Center of Excellence will be added in conjunction with existing courses. Current ninth graders enrolled in Freshman Academy will select a career academy and will take the first level of their chosen pathway as a sophomore, the district said.

Students will graduate from high school with an industry certification or college credit.