School Academic Focus Areas
The following school specialized program descriptions should be looked at in conjunction with the School Programs at
a Glance chart. The chart provides additional programmatic information that can help students make the best decision
in selecting a high school to fit their skills and interests. More information on individual schools is provided.
Please note:
• Edison High School offers Personal Care & Therapeutic Services as a citywide program.
• North Academy of Arts & Communications is open to all students; it is a citywide high school.
• Roosevelt High School offers Automotive and Construction and IBCC - Health Careers and Automotive
and Construction emphasis as citywide programs.
• South High School provides two citywide programs available to students throughout the district: All Nations and
Open.
ALL NATIONS
This unique program is specifically designed for American Indian students, integrating resources from the American
Indian community to help students graduate in four years with a clear vision of who they are and what they have to
offer beyond high school. American Indian students experience a challenging and nurturing education with classes
such as Ojibwe language, Native arts, peer tutoring and American Indian history. Students from anywhere in the
school district may apply to this program. Offered at: South (citywide program).
Offered at: South (citywide program)
AMERICAN STUDIES
This rigorous American Studies History college preparatory program is centered on American history. Students
research and analyze issues from diverse perspectives through primary sources, guest speakers, the National History
Day competition and other unique field experiences.
Offered at: Edison
ARTS & COMMUNICATIONS
The Arts & Communication program is for students ready for rigorous learning and collaborative projects in visual and
performing arts and/or communication media. With access to professional spaces related to the arts, such as a dance
studio, TV studio and broadcasting radio station (KBEM Jazz88 FM), students will have an opportunity to showcase
their talents and works. Students can combine high school coursework with college equivalent coursework through a
variety of dual credit options and out of school learning opportunities. This program will prepare students for all postsecondary options while inspiring imagination and spirit.
Offered at: North Academy of Arts & Communication (citywide program)
AUTOMOTIVE & CONSTRUCTION
Students investigate all aspects of auto body, automotive service and repair industry as well as construction and
trades industries. To earn Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, students spend a semester in each of the
following areas: suspension and steering controls, brake service, electrical/electronic systems and engine system
performance. (citywide program).
Offered at: Roosevelt (citywide program)
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
Students participate in hands-on business learning opportunities, as well as an Entrepreneurs Club and an extensive
e-mentorship program with Target corporation. Business partnerships also include Aveda, Deloitte and Wells Fargo.
Offered at: Edison
CANDIDATE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (IB MYP)
Students in grades nine and 10 are taught holistic learning, intercultural awareness, academic rigor, community
service, critical thinking and research skills and the development of an international understanding of the world.
Students have the opportunity to earn the internationally-recognized IB Diploma if they continue in the IB pathway in
grades 11 and 12 and pass the necessary exams.
Offered at: Roosevelt
TECHNOLOGY & MULTIMEDIA
This college preparatory program embeds media literacy, writing skills and critical thinking through the digital
technologies that have become relevant to today’s student. This future-oriented program emphasizes learning through
digital formats such as fanfictions, zines, graphic novels, blogs, podcasts and wikis.
Offered at: Edison (citywide program)
ENGINEERING/PROJECT LEAD THE WAY (PLTW)
Students solve real-world problems using technology, mathematics and science and may earn college credits that are
accepted at all Minnesota colleges and universities upon completion of a final project and passing the college-credit
examination. See page 34 for more information.
Offered at: Henry, Washburn, South
HEALTH CAREERS
A heavy emphasis on experiential learning opportunities helps students develop the academic and vocational skills
necessary for the pursuit of a career in the varied health care industry. Using up-to-date technology, students take lab
courses taught in conjunction with local colleges and have apprenticeship opportunities in health care professions.
Offered at: Roosevelt (citywide program)
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE CAREER-RELATED CERTIFICATE (IBCC)
The International Baccalaureate Career Certificate (IBCC) is an extension of the Health Careers (Roosevelt), Project
Lead The Way (Henry) and International Baccalaureate programs. IBCC students must complete service learning
requirements, take two IB Diploma Programme courses including one world language course throughout both grades
11 and 12, pass the IB subject area exam and complete a reflective project. Students will graduate with an
International Baccalaureate Career Certificate and will potentially receive credit at colleges worldwide for their IB
coursework.
Offered at: Henry; Roosevelt (citywide programs)
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (IB MYP)
Students in grades nine and 10 are taught holistic learning, intercultural awareness, academic rigor, community
service, critical thinking and research skills and the development of an international understanding of the world.
Students have the opportunity to earn the internationally-recognized IB Diploma if they continue in the IB pathway in
grades 11 and 12 and pass the necessary exams.
Offered at: Southwest, Henry, Edison
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (IB DP)
Students in grades 11 and 12 are encouraged to think from an international perspective while developing an
understanding of their own cultural and national identity. The emphasis on interdisciplinary learning requires studying
across six disciplines: native language, second language, individuals and societies, mathematics and computer
science, experimental sciences and the arts. The IB certificate is recognized for credit at most colleges and
universities.
Offered at: Edison, Henry, Roosevelt, Southwest, Washburn
LIBERAL ARTS/LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM (LACPP)
Students explore college preparatory education through the broad range of subjects that make up the liberal arts:
literature, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, fine arts and independent study. Students learn to
think creatively, critically and analytically; communicate effectively and actively participate in the larger community.
Offered at: South
OPEN
The Open program focuses on interdisciplinary learning, social issues and student exploration of their place in the
world. Students develop their critical thinking skills through exploration, student initiative and personal responsibility
while valuing teamwork, intellectual curiosity, diversity and community.
Offered at: South (citywide program)
PERSONAL CARE & THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
Students develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for success in the cosmetology industry and earn
college credits towards licensure as a cosmetologist. Financial and entrepreneur classes require that students design a
strategic plan for owning and operating a full service salon, ensuring a strong business foundation..
Offered at: Edison (citywide program)