*Please note that this program is continuing to be developed, and it will evolve as we engage with our students, staff, families, and community. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Community Information Sessions
Cedar Rapids Community School District is excited to invite you to a College and Career Pathways Informational Meeting to learn about the innovative transformation coming to Cedar Rapids Community School District high schools.
Starting with the current 8th-grade class, our high schools will transition to a new Academy Structure. This model is designed to enhance students’ opportunities to engage in college and career readiness curriculum while developing transferable skills for the workforce, military, or college. These new pathways will provide students with a supportive and focused learning environment, with opportunities to earn college credits or industry-recognized certifications. Current 9th–12th grade students will continue with their current academic plans.
We encourage you and your student to attend one of our informational sessions to learn more about:
- Freshman Academy coming in 25-26 school year
- The College & Career Pathways Model
- How this approach prepares students for success
- Scheduling and class offerings
- How this approach benefits ALL students
- Opportunities for questions and answers
Your Future, Your Choice: Discover your path with CRCSD
Connecting college and career connected learning to a personal “WHY”. Create shared understanding around how we will achieve college and career success.
CRCSD’s vision is Every Learner. Future Ready. CRCSD’s mission is to ensure all learners experience a rigorous and personalized learning experience so they have a plan, a pathway, and a passion for their futures.
It all starts with our Portrait of a Future Ready Graduate.
The Vision
The Why, Graduate College & Career Ready Students. CRCSD wants to ensure every student is equipped, empowered, and engaged to excel in life beyond high school.
The How, empower futures through real-world learning. Engaging students with career-focused education and hands-on experiences in smaller, themed learning communities, connecting school to future college and career goals.
The What, transferable skills & increased achievement. CRCSD students will graduate with more than a diploma. They will graduate with industry-recognized credentials, Advanced placement/college credit, work-based learning, and employability skills.
For Whom, Everyone. College & Career Pathways are intentionally designed to provide access for all students.
College and Career Pathways provide a structured approach to education that significantly enhances students’ academic achievement, boosts high school graduation rates, and prepares students more effectively for college, careers, and life.
Through targeted coursework and hands-on experiences, students gain industry certifications and college credits, helping them graduate with valuable, marketable skills.
This approach not only strengthens our community’s talent pipeline but also positions students for greater future earning potential, building a foundation for both personal success and a more prosperous community.
At its design core, the principles behind this design:
- Relationships – Small Learning Communities
- High Rigor – College preparatory curriculum with an industry-infused theme
- High Relevance – Partnerships with employers, the community, and postsecondary institutions
- High Reward – Graduating with a diploma and more
In each of our High Schools there would be several academies that high school students can navigate.
Check out this CRCSD universal elements of College and Career Pathways.
Freshman Academy – beginning Fall 2025
At each of our five high schools, 9th grade students would be part of freshman academies. CRCSD plans to roll these academies out in the Fall of 2025. Freshman students would still take their core classes creating the foundation of future learning. So what would a schedule look like for these students.
After Freshman Academy, Upper Academy Schedules
What would a “typical” schedule look like for students after their freshman year academy is complete. What would it look like for a sophomore, junior, or senior?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will participate in Freshman Academy?
Freshman Academy includes several activities designed to help students explore interests, develop skills, and prepare for their future:
- Freshman Seminar: A required 9th-grade course focused on identifying interests, aptitudes, and career skills using tools like Xello and a High School 101 curriculum.
- Career Exploration: Includes guest speakers, field trips, and hands-on projects to introduce students to various professions.
- Career Inspire: A one-day event where students interact with local industry partners to learn about career opportunities.
- Academy Selection: Students explore career academies linked to their interests and aptitudes, choosing a school or academy to focus on for Grades 10-12.
- Advanced Academics: Prepares students for AP and dual enrollment courses or obtaining industry credentials.
- College Visits: Offers exposure to post-secondary academic opportunities.
Why is CRCSD changing to the College & Career Pathways model?
Our goal is to ensure every learner is equipped for college and career, empowered for life and engaged in the community upon graduation. In order to deliver on this promise, we are excited to guarantee experiences that will ensure each student achieves more than a high school diploma—whether that’s college credit, career certification, or advanced placement credit.
Will all high schools adopt this change?
Yes, starting in Fall of 2025 all high schools will adopt Freshman Academies and starting the fall of 2026, all high schools will offer Schools & Academies for 10th graders, who will continue in the program through graduation.
What if I want to stay at my resident school?
Students who want to stay at their resident zone school are welcome to do so. They can select a pathway at their resident zone school that aligns with their passions and future goals.
When will my student choose their academy for Grades 10-12?
During their freshman year, students will choose an academy. They’ll work with their counselor and school team to create an individual plan of study, which can be adjusted as needed.
What if I don’t want to go to college, am I still required to participate in College and Career Pathway?
College and Career is designed for ALL students, whether they want to pursue college, a career, or the military after graduation. We provide options for college-level courses, allowing students who choose to, the opportunity to advance academically while easing future financial burdens. However, there’s no pressure—each student can choose the path that best suits their goals.
Will students be able to choose which school they want to go to, if their resident school doesn’t offer the pathway they want?
Yes! We aim to empower students to CHOOSE the academic experience that aligns with their passions & future goals. Students that wish to pursue a pathway that is not offered at their resident high school may enter the Pathway Selection Process. Students will have the opportunity, in collaboration with families and school staff to change pathways if needed once in the pathway.
Will transportation be provided for students attending a school outside their resident zone attendance area?
Transportation will be provided at no cost for students who choose a high school outside of their feeder high school. Pick-up and drop-off locations will typically be the student’s resident attendance zone high school. Transportation to and from the bus stop is parent/guardian responsibility.
Will electives like fine arts still be offered?
Students will still be able to take music, band, art, and foreign language classes as part of their elective classes. They will participate in these classes at the school in which they are enrolled.
What about extracurriculars like athletics and drama?
Students will participate in school-based extracurricular activities at the school in which they are enrolled.
Will students still be able to take AP courses?
YES! AP courses will continue to be offered and even enhanced with our Career and College Pathways Program.
Can students change their Academy later?
Yes, students can switch academies with guidance from their counselor, teachers, and parents.
What about students in Grades 10-12?
This redesign begins with students who will be 9th graders in the fall of 2025. Students in Grades 10-12 in the fall of 2025 will continue on their current academic plans.
Still have questions, please submit them
Our Engaged Community Partners
We are not going down this path alone. We have engaged with these community partners to provide opportunities for students. We look to grow this list, as we provide meaningful growth areas for students.
Our Timeline & Next Steps (tentative)
December 2024:
Monday, December 2 | 5:30–7:00 PM | Kennedy High School Cafeteria
Tuesday, December 3 | 5:30–7:00 PM | Jefferson High School Library
Thursday, December 5 | 6:00–7:30 PM | Washington High School Library
August 2025: Launch Freshman Academy
January 2026: Pathway Selection Process for Upper Schools & Academies
August 2026: Launch Upper Schools & Academies