A Career Academy combines an academic curriculum with an occupational theme through integrating career and technical courses with the high school diploma requirements according to the Florida Department of Education. On the Ridge, our Career Academies create small, personalized learning communities centered on a career theme over a three- or four-year course progression. These programs, whích include a college-prep curriculum and a path to industry certifications, challenge students while supporting them in finding an engaging career path. Through challenging curriculum, support from a local advisory committee and partnerships with employers, the community and higher education, students are best prepared for success in both college and professional careers. Our programs currently serve approximately 1000 Lake Wales High School students.
Agriculture Academy
The Agriculture Academy offers career pathways in Animal Science and Horticulture, providing students with hands-on learning in animal and plant sciences. The academy follows the three-circle model of agricultural education, integrating classroom instruction, FFA leadership development, and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) to support student success with leadership, career readiness and personal growth embedded into daily instruction.
The Engineering Academy seeks to expose students to various technical areas within the engineering field. The program features AMATROL Integrated Technology concepts that introduce students to various engineering topics. Students take part in project-based learning competitions and work towards earning college credits and certifications.
Education Partnership(s): Polk State - 60 hours toward Applied Engineering Degree (via Dual Enrollment)
Culinary Academy
The Culinary Academy gives students hands-on, real-world experience through a wide range of tasks from preparing daily lunch orders for LWHS staff to preparing catering for school events. Students in this academy also manage The Ridge Café, where they sell a variety of drinks and treats on a weekly basis. Through these responsibilities, students build strong skills in culinary techniques, food safety, customer service, and business operations, preparing them for future careers and advanced study in the food and hospitality industry.
The Digital Design Academy gives students the opportunity to use Adobe applications such as Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator to learn how to edit digital images and documents. After certification, students will use their skills to create the school’s Crown Jewel yearbook where they will determine the theme, design and layout that students will treasure for years to come. The skills learned and used throughout the program will give them a competitive edge when pursuing careers in graphic design, digital marketing, web development, entrepreneurship, and more.
Course Progression: Digital Design 1, Digital Design 2, Digital Design 3, Digital Design 4
Certification: Level 2 - Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design
Digital Media Academy
The Digital Media Academy allows students to learn the world of film, audio, and editing through the use of Adobe applications such as Premier Pro and After Effects. In this academy, students learn how to develop video editing skills from start to finish including camera set up, to publishing their finished product through the Digital Media social media accounts. The academy focuses on current social media marketing and trends to prepare students for college and future career endeavors.
Course Progression: Digital Media Fundamentals, Digital Media Production Systems, Digital Media Delivery Systems, Advanced Digital Media Delivery Systems
Certification: Level 2 - Adobe Certified Professional in Video Design
Early Childhood Academy
The Early Childhood Academy is designed to prepare students for careers in early childhood education as pre-k teachers and childcare providers. Students engage in hands-on learning at the on-site preschool, Little Highlander Academy, while working towards their certification to become childcare providers.
Course Progression: Early Childhood 1, Early Childhood 2, Early Childhood 3, Early Childhood 4
Certification: Level 1 - Department of Children and Families required training (45 hours); Level 4 - Child Development Associate (CDA), State of Florida Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC)
Education Partnership(s): Polk State - 12 hours
Health Science Academy
The Health Science Academy prepares students to provide and initiate care to the sick or injured persons in both the long term care setting or the hospital setting along with Emergency Medical Services(Firefighter, EMT/ Paramedic). Clinical learning experiences are an integral part of this program that can be used in a future career, or a stepping stone as students continue education in the medical field.
Course Progression: Health Science Anatomy and Physiology, Health Science Foundations, Personal Care Technician OR Certified EKG Technician
Certification: Level 3 - Personal Care Technician (PCT) OR Certified EKG Technician (CET)
Club Affiliation: HOSA
Personal Trainer Academy
The Personal Trainer Academy empowers students with the knowledge and skills needed to practice and train in the fitness industry through a combination of hands-on practice and classroom learning. In their gym-style classroom, students learn how to perform complex movements, break down instructional cues and practice coaching others how to perform movements as well. With in-depth curriculum on kinesiology, human anatomy, social skills and nutrition, students learn how every element can help impact and change lives through fitness and how they can help implement long-lasting lifestyle changes. One of the standout features of this program is its partnership with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), which is the most respected name in fitness certification.
Course Progression: Personal Trainer 1, Personal Trainer 2, Personal Trainer 3
Certification: Level 3 - NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Academy is a comprehensive career academy organized into three integrated tiers designed to prepare students for the diverse challenges of the unmanned aircraft systems industry. The Academy provides students with a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics related to drone technology. Students learn about the principles of flight, drone design and construction, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and the various applications of drones in industries such as agriculture, cinematography, search and rescue and more. Equipped with the latest drone technology and simulators, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in flying and operating drones in a controlled environment.
Lake Wales Charter Schools does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by law.
