There are currently more than 7,000 career academies in the United States including Waterloo, Sioux City, and College Community here in Iowa. We’ve shared data from a number of school districts on our website.

Yes they were and we received over 9,000 survey responses.

Yes, AP and dual credit courses will still be offered at all our high schools.

Students who are currently taking advanced courses in middle school will continue on that advanced pathway in high school. For example, if they took Algebra as an 8th grader, they will most likely take Geometry or Advanced Geometry as a freshman.

Yes, students will still be able to take classes at Kirkwood, and we have partnered with them to offer even more options in the future! Dual credit courses will still be offered at all of our high schools. Credits obtained through dual credit courses transfer to nearly every college in Iowa and may beyond our state borders, but policies vary depending on the receiving institution. High school elective classes that do not offer college credit do not transfer. The high school counselor and Kirkwood Community College advisor will be able to assist students in determining how their college credits transfer.

Transportation will be provided at no cost for students who choose to attend a high school outside of their resident attendance zone high school (home 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 their parent/guardian’s responsibility. Our Transportation Manager is currently reviewing staffing requirements for next school year.

Transportation will be provided at no cost for students who choose a pathway at a high school that is not their resident attendance zone school. Pick-up and drop-off locations will typically be the student’s resident zone high school. Transportation to and from the bus stop is the parent/guardian’s responsibility. The City of Cedar Rapids also offers free transportation for students on the city buses.

At this time, students must take Pathway courses at the school in which they are enrolled so there would not be transportation between schools during the school day.

CRCSD is committed to several sustainability practices in our buildings across the district. Also, the district currently uses propane and electric school buses which help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Like now, the district will not provide transportation for afterschool practices or events. The exception would be transporting student athletes to their scheduled competitions.

We are also looking to optimize teacher schedules, enhance professional development opportunities that are aligned with the new pathways, and leverage technology to help train and support our current teaching staff through this transition and new high school model. Additionally, strategic collaborations with community partners and industry professionals will supplement staffing, enriching our students’ learning experience without the need for additional teachers.

High school teachers, counselors, and administrators have all been involved in the design process of this program. Each school’s administration provided input on what pathways should be offered in their buildings. Teachers had a choice on whether they wanted to be a part of the Freshman Academy or not. Other teaching assignments have not been decided on at this time.

Full-time positions will be allocated to ensure Pathways programs are well-supported. By optimizing schedules, improving teacher training, and using technology, we can maintain staffing levels across programs. Partnerships with community and industry professionals will further enrich student learning without additional staff.

In the College and Career Pathway model, we aim to have an academic advisor/counselor for every 300 students. This is very similar to what we currently offer in our high schools. We are excited to work with our counselors to ensure that they have the time and space to provide consistent academic advising to help students plan their future and select the best pathway for them.

If a student is currently a high schooler in the 2024-25 school year, they will not be impacted by this program. This year’s current 8th grade class will begin with Freshman Academy in the 2025-2026 school year, and we will roll out the pathways through their high school years. All classes after will be in the College and Career Pathways model.

Yes, we are working with staff to finalize the more detailed course information for each pathway and are creating a course catalog for each academy. We hope to share it with families and the community in the coming months.

Every student will have the opportunity to earn college credit and/or an industry-recognized certification by the time they graduate through the pathway of their choosing.

The district is not planning to change the length of the school day at this time.

Pathways are meant to create small learning communities that will help students build connections and a sense of belonging in their classes and schools. If a student participates in class virtually, they won’t be able to fully engage in this model. Also, many pathway classes will be hands-on, which won’t be possible through virtual classes.

A pathway class is treated like an elective class. Like current electives, it will go on the student’s transcript and affect their GPA. Similar to today, students will be allowed to retake the class for a better grade if they wish.

Students will still be able to take music, band, art, and foreign language classes as part of their elective courses each year. They will participate in these classes at the school in which they are enrolled.

Community partners will play a vital role in supporting the College and Career Pathways program by helping us identify relevant industry certifications for our students. They will also assist in helping us align academies with current industry trends and help provide cutting-edge technology for students to use in specific academies and pathways. Additionally, our community partners will contribute to professional development workshops for our educators and provide students with valuable real-world experiences through mentorships, internships, and facility tours. This collaboration will create a strong bridge between education and the workforce, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

All courses will include Iowa’s required standards, as outlined at Iowa Academic Standards. The curriculum will be written collaboratively by district educators, subject matter experts, and postsecondary or industry partners and reviewed using the format of the previously adopted district curriculum to ensure consistency and compliance.

Scheduling is not changing. All high schools will continue with block scheduling as they currently do.

Yes! Ultimately, our goal is to offer a well-rounded educational experience for all students. Regardless of the pathway or academy a student chooses, they will still be able to take music, band, art, foreign languages, and more as part of their elective classes each year. They will participate in these classes at the school in which they are enrolled.

Yes. As with any program, changes will happen as it is refined. Pathways will likely be altered over the years based on student interests and community needs. We will have staff, parent, and community advisory boards that meet throughout the year to review enrollment numbers, changing technology, workforce needs, and curriculum recommendation

Our ultimate goal is to foster an inclusive environment where all students can thrive and find a path to success. We are committed to adapting and supporting pathways to meet the diverse learning needs of all students, offering access to a full range of opportunities and resources, and ensuring equal opportunities for success. While the approach will largely reflect the current special education model, key practices will continue to guide our efforts. IEPs will remain central to determining staffing and guiding teachers in addressing students’ identified needs. Special Education teachers will actively participate in academy Professional Learning and will collaborate with colleagues to provide targeted support and input.

While the approach will largely reflect the current model, key practices will continue to guide our efforts. IEPs will remain central to determining staffing and guiding teachers in addressing students’ identified needs. Special Education teachers will actively participate in academy Professional Learning and will collaborate with colleagues to provide targeted support and input.

ELL students will continue to receive direct language instruction (ELL classes) in accordance with the district Lau Plan. ELL students will have access to all core and elective courses. Students receiving ELL services receive accommodations in all classes tailored to their language proficiency levels.

The district is planning to hold an information night geared toward parents with limited English proficiency. Topics shared will include general high school information and pathway information. Interpreters will be provided. In this new model, ELL students will continue to receive direct language instruction (ELL classes).

A Freshman Academy is a dedicated program or structure within a high school designed to support ninth-grade students as they transition from middle school to high school. It creates a smaller, more personalized learning environment to help freshmen build essential skills for success, academically and socially. Freshman Academy will have an assigned administrator and a dedicated team of teachers for the core subjects. It will also be housed in a designated wing of the building.

Every 9th grader will participate in the Freshman Academy and take a Freshman Seminar Class. The Freshman Academy will be a small learning community within the larger school. It will have a dedicated administrator and a team of teachers and staff. The academy will combine core courses, electives, and career exploration to build a strong foundation for future success.

Freshman Seminar is a required, year-long course for 9th-grade students designed to help them identify their interests, aptitudes, and career goals while equipping them with essential skills for success in high school and beyond. Using tools like a career information system and the High School 101 curriculum, students will explore their passions, research potential careers, and learn about their personality traits. The course also covers vital topics such as grades, grade point average, communication skills, time management, study techniques, social skills, and financial literacy. Students will also benefit from guest speakers representing various industries, field trips to local businesses, and one-on-one meetings with academic advisors to support their growth. Upon completion, students will receive credit for this foundational course, which aims to prepare them for academic and career success.

While the Freshman Academy will be housed in a designated wing of the building, they will still have the opportunity to interact with the entire school community during PE, Lunch, world languages, music, and other electives that are “outside” the Freshman Academy Wing.

Yes, the Freshman Academy will help students explore their interests and career goals as they make plans for the future. It will include a Freshman Seminar course focused on identifying a student’s interests, aptitudes, and career skills using tools like Xello and a High School 101 curriculum. Students will also have guest speakers, field trips, and hands-on projects to introduce them to various professions. A one-day Career Inspire event will be held allowing students to interact with local industry partners to learn about different career opportunities. During the spring of their freshman year, students will work with teachers, counselors, and their families to choose a pathway/academy to focus on for Grades 10-12.

Throughout their freshman year, students will spend a lot of time exploring their interests, aptitudes, and career goals. They will then work with their teachers, counselors, and families to find the right pathway/academy for them.

Yes, each pathway will have the same support systems and staffing. However, the community partners will differ between pathways based on which pathway their business correlates to.

Over the past year, CRCSD has used data and collaborated with hundreds of students, staff, families, community members, and higher education professionals to determine which career pathways should be offered. We also considered our community’s future workforce needs, focusing on high-wage, high-demand job fields. Additionally, we recognize the unique strengths of each school community. While not every school has the same programs, there are some that are similar. We wanted to offer a variety for students to choose from.

Yes, students will change to the school where their selected pathway is at. However, this program is not intended to require students to move schools if they do not wish to. If your child would prefer to remain at your resident attendance zone school (home school), they are welcome to do so. While they will still be required to choose a pathway, our staff will work with them to explore the pathways available at that school that align with their interests and goals.

8th graders will not have to choose a pathway. During their 9th-grade year, they will explore their interests in the Freshman Academy to aid them in selecting a pathway that fits their interests.

Yes, the Freshman Seminar is designed to help students identify their interests, aptitudes, and career goals while equipping them with essential skills for success in high school and beyond. Using tools like a career information system and the High School 101 curriculum, students will explore their passions, research potential careers, and learn about their personality traits.

Students will choose the academy they would like to attend during the spring of their Freshman year. In 9th grade, all students will be in the Freshman Academy. As part of this academy, students will explore their interests/passions and research possible careers. They will utilize resources and technology to identify their aptitudes, passions, and personality traits. They will also have several guest speakers from various industries and field trips to local businesses. Students will also have meetings with academic advisors who can help them along the way. Through all of this, the hope is that the student and their family can choose an academy that best aligns with their interests and future goals. However, students will have the opportunity to change their pathway if their interests change or they realize another area suits them better.

Yes. We want students and families to choose an academy that best aligns with their interests and future goals. Students will have the opportunity to change their academy if their interests change or they realize another area suits them better. Switching is not unlimited, and counselors will help students decide the best time and process to make the change.

If more students want to join a pathway than space allows, there will be a fair and equitable selection process.

At this time, the plan is to have the student attend all classes and participate in activities at their pathway school.

While there is no way to ensure that each student is picking their pathway for genuine college and/or career interest, we do encourage the student not to select a pathway because of friends or extracurriculars. We encourage families to engage their students in conversations about what Pathway is right for them based on their interests and future goals.

Yes, there will be a dedicated administrator and team of teachers and staff, including counselors, to help them find the right pathway. Families will also help them select a pathway that best fits their interests and career goals.

Yes, we are looking at adding more career exploration in middle school. Currently, they will explore different interests in their Freshman Academy.

As part of Freshman Academy, students will explore their interests/passions and research possible careers. They will utilize resources and technology to identify their aptitudes, passions, and personality traits. They will also have several guest speakers from various industries and field trips to local businesses. Students will also have meetings with academic advisors who can help them along the way. Through all of this, the hope is that the student and their family can choose an academy that best aligns with their interests and future goals. However, students will have the opportunity to change their pathway if their interests change or they realize another area suits them better.

At this time, all high school students will participate in the College and Career Pathways program and will be required to select a pathway during the spring of their Freshman year. The College and Career Pathways program is designed for ALL students, whether they want to pursue college, a career, or the military after graduation. There will be several pathways available for students looking to get into the trades, including automotive technology, manufacturing, agriculture, entrepreneurship, construction, hospitality, or medical services. Students will work with teachers, academic advisors, and their parents to choose an academy that best aligns with their interests and future goals.

No, students are not allowed to participate in more than one pathway at a time. However, students can change pathways if their interests and future goals change or they realize a different pathway would suit them better.

All students, regardless of pathway or academy, will have the opportunity to choose from a wide selection of elective courses, including fine arts, world languages, AP, dual enrollment, and more. We value a well-rounded education, and students will continue to have opportunities to pursue these important areas.

Our staff will work with them to find a pathway that would be a good fit. Our goal is to expose students to a career concept and allow them to explore their interests. No matter what pathway they choose, they will still learn foundational information and develop employability skills they will use for success in the future, such as time management, resume writing, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and more. We hope this will also help students learn what they don’t like so they can make educated decisions on what they do want to pursue in the future.

There will be capacity limits on all Academies, in the event a student doesn’t get their first choice of Academy, staff will work with them to identify a second option to explore that aligns with their interest.

We will be using a Pathway Selection Process. It will be similar to the Magnet School Lottery process.

Yes, there are several pathways available for trade fields, such as automotive technology, construction, integrated manufacturing, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

While we are working to provide a variety of pathways for our students, unfortunately, we can’t provide everything. If your student’s specific career interests aren’t available in a pathway, our staff will work with them to find a good fit. Our goal is to expose students to a career concept and allow them to explore their interests. No matter what pathway they choose, they will still learn foundational information and develop employability skills they will use for success in the future.

Yes! We aim to empower students to CHOOSE the academic experience that aligns with their passions and future goals. Students who wish to pursue a pathway that is not offered at their resident high school may enter the Pathway Selection Process to enter a pathway at a different school. Students will have the opportunity, in collaboration with families and school staff, to change pathways if needed.

The College and Career Pathways program is designed for ALL students, whether they want to pursue college, a career, or the military after graduation. There will be several pathways available for students looking to get into the trades, including automotive technology, manufacturing, agriculture, entrepreneurship, construction, hospitality, or medical services. We will also provide options for students to take college-level courses, allowing them 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.

Our goal is to empower students to choose an academic experience that aligns with their passions and future goals. If a student wishes to pursue a pathway not offered at their resident high school, they may enter the Pathway Selection Process. However, this program is not intended to require students to change schools if they prefer to stay at their home school. Students who wish to remain at their resident school are welcome to do so. While they will still need to choose a pathway, our staff will work with them to explore the available options at that school that best match their interests and goals.

Over the past year, CRCSD has used data and collaborated with hundreds of students, staff, families, community members, and higher education professionals to determine which career pathways should be offered. We also considered our community’s future workforce needs, focusing on high-wage, high-demand job fields. Additionally, we recognize the unique strengths of each school community. While not every school has the same programs, there are some that are similar. We wanted to offer a variety for students to choose from.

Through Freshman Academy, a student will have access to the tools and support needed to succeed, plus foster engagement and create meaningful connections with both students and staff. Students will also explore their interests and passions to prepare for their academic and career journeys. This will assist them in selecting the pathway that is correct for them and minimize the school changes. In addition, the district currently offers Hazel Health, a virtual mental health therapy program free for all students. If your student has concerns, they can use Hazel Heath to talk to a licensed therapist.

They will have a dedicated administrator and a team of teachers and staff, including counselors.

This program is not intended to require students to move schools if they do not wish to. If your student would prefer to remain at your resident attendance zone school (home school), they are welcome to do so. While they will still be required to choose a pathway, our staff will work with them to explore the pathways available at that school that align with their interests and goals.

Each academy will have capacity limits. If a student’s first choice is full, staff will help them select a second option that aligns with their interests.

There will be capacity limits set for all of our schools and pathways to prevent overcrowding or under-crowding.

We welcome students from other districts to attend CRCSD and experience our Pathways program. Students from outside the district would have to open-enroll as they do now.

The funding for College & Career Pathways is a mix of district funds and a $15 Million Magnet Schools Assistance Program Grant the district received.

The programming of the College and Career Pathways is not directly dependent on the upcoming bond vote (November 2025). However, the bond referendum plays a critical role in supporting the district’s broader initiatives, including ensuring our facilities are up-to-date and capable of equipping students to excel both in high school and in their future careers. If the bond does not pass, the district may need to reassess how we can best align our resources to maintain and grow essential programs like the College and Career Pathways. This could include evaluating facility upgrades, resources, and other supports that would enhance the Pathways program’s overall effectiveness and student experience.

Considerable time and effort have been put into the development of the College and Career Pathways over the last 18 months. Title 4 and grant funds (both federal funding sources) have been used to pay for consultants. Additionally, the College and Career Readiness Taskforce and School Improvement Advisory Committee have collectively contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to support the creation and refinement of the current draft of the pathways model.

To support the programming, additions and remodels will be completed at Jefferson and Washington. Designs for these spaces have begun, and construction is set to begin as early as spring 2025. Funding for these projects comes from SAVE and PPEL funding.

The grant is published on the US Department of Education website. The button belwo will take you to the approved grant application.

Dr. Grover has no formal affiliation with the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC). In her previous district, NCAC was engaged as a consultant to support college and career readiness efforts, similar to other vendors or service providers. Decisions regarding consultants, vendors, and curriculum in Cedar Rapids are made collaboratively, transparently, and with a focus on students’ best interests. Her recent keynote at the NCAC conference highlighted the district’s innovative work on a national platform, bringing recognition and professional growth to educators.

The college and career pathways program is still active at Grand Island.

CRCSD received a $15 million grant to fund the College & Career Pathways Program. No other monetary incentives are tied to implementing Pathways through external organizations or nonprofits.

Students who wish to attend a Pathway at a school other than their resident attendance zone school (home school), would be considered a student of that pathway school and would play sports for that school.

If a student changes pathways mid-year, their athletic eligibility will be subject to the district’s existing transfer policy, which aligns with the state’s 90-day eligibility rule. This ensures consistency and fairness in athletics. Team dynamics will be managed by coaches to support the transition, maintaining a positive and inclusive environment for all athletes.

All students, regardless of school or pathway, will have the opportunity to take performing arts classes like band, choir, and orchestra. We value a well-rounded education, and students will continue to have opportunities to pursue these important areas.