During their freshman year, students will select an academy or a pathway at their school. Students in both academies and pathways take their core classes (English, math, social studies and science) along with advanced academics, career-focused classes and electives. Student choices are what determine the differences in high school experience. The academy and pathway names are meant to group together similar career fields.

For a student interested in a high-skill, high-wage and in-demand career not covered by a current pathway, the student and family may work with school counselors and administrators to organize a series of existing courses into a pathway aligned with their goals after graduation.