Year 1: Freshman Year

The incoming class of 2028 will participate in the “Freshman Experience” class. This year-long course, offered at Agua Fria, Canyon View, Desert Edge, Goodyear, Millennium, and Verrado high schools, is designed to support students in exploring their career aspirations and post-high school goals. During Freshman Experience, students will choose an academy at their high school that best aligns with their college, trade school, entrepreneurial, workforce, and/or military ambitions.

Portrait of a Grad

Freshman Experience helps students develop the skills associated with our Portrait of a Graduate (POG). As part of this, they’ll begin building a portfolio that showcases their abilities and exemplifies their understanding of the POG. To learn more about POG, visit www.aguafria.org/POG

Freshman Career Expo

Freshman Career Expo: Students will be inspired to discover their pathway at our exploration event, which features business partners from various career, college, and military organizations. Students will connect with industry professionals to gain career awareness and a deeper understanding of the various industries within the Southwest Valley. 

Sign up to be a partner at the Freshman Career Expo Event. Your participation will be invaluable in helping our students explore potential career pathways and make informed decisions about their future. Click here to sign up!

Freshman College Visit 

It is a foundational part of the Agua Fria High School District’s vision for every student to explore opportunities connected to our 4 E’s: Enrollment, Enlistment, Entrepreneurship, and Employment. We have partnered with post-secondary institutions to offer every student the opportunity to visit a college campus virtually or by field trip.

Year 2

In the fall, sophomores will embark on their chosen Academy/Pathway journey. To equip students with the essential knowledge and skills for success in their pathway, AFHSD schools will invite pathway specific guest speakers to each pathway courses. These opportunities will prepare students for workplace demands, provide valuable industry insights, and inspire them to pursue their post-high school goals confidently.

Post-Secondary Pathway Tours 

Each student will be given the opportunity to visit a post-secondary institution related to their pathway. Whether it is a community college, university, or trade school, students will be given the chance to visit the post-secondary institution to see the campus, engage with staff, and learn about the requirements of attending that institution. This will support students in better planning their remaining high school career to meet the requirements of the post-secondary journey they want to pursue.

Post-Secondary Pathway Tours 

Pathway-specific guest speakers, integrated into the regular curriculum of pathway courses, will provide continuous exposure to different career perspectives. These sessions, scheduled throughout the academic year, will offer industry insights, motivational speaking, and Q&A sessions, inspiring students to explore various jobs.

Year 3 

Junior year will bring more workforce-focused experiences to shape students' creative and career trajectories. Through tailored experiences, students will enhance career readiness and be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for success during their senior year and post-high school endeavors. By incorporating these elements into year three of the Academies, students are equipped with the information and experiences to make informed decisions about their career paths.

1. Work-based Learning Experiences: Students will take part in a hands-on, industry-focused activity directly aligned with their chosen pathway. Whether it is on/off campus, students will get the opportunity to practice their skills in a hands-on activity.

2. Internship Placement Support: In the final few months of Junior Year, students will receive comprehensive assistance and resources from their Academy Coach to find and secure an internship opportunity with a local business partner during their senior year. This support is designed to help them prepare for their capstone project.

3. Pathway Specific Guest Speakers: Guest speakers will continue to be integrated into the regular curriculum of pathway courses, ensuring that classroom engagement is relevant to the workplace and is directly related to the subject matter being taught.

4. Earn Industry Credentials and Certifications: Students can demonstrate their proficiency by taking an Industry Credential Exam and the Technical Skills Assessment related to their pathway. These assessments serve as valuable benchmarks, allowing students to measure their skills and knowledge against industry standards. Successfully completing these exams is a tangible way for students to enhance their resumes and validate their readiness for further education or entry-level employment in their chosen field.

Senior Culmination

Year four of The Academies offers significant opportunities to all Seniors as they prepare for life after high school. Students will be supported through the following experiences.

1.  Internship: AFHSD offers a year-long internship program designed to provide students with hands-on experience in their chosen fields. Each internship requires a commitment of 65 hours per semester. These internships allow students to take on more responsibilities and gain valuable on-the-job experience. Internships may be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer. Participation in the internship program is highly recommended due to its significant benefits, though it is not mandatory. To support students in securing internships or full-time positions, AFHSD hosts an Internship Placement and Hiring event each spring. 

2. POG Portfolio Presentation: Students will create a comprehensive portfolio showcasing the skills and knowledge gained in line with the Portrait of a Graduate vision. Students will present their portfolio and how their Academy participation will impact their future career path.

4. Mock Interview Day: An organized event designed to simulate real job interview experiences for students, allowing them to practice and refine their interviewing skills in a supportive environment. Students will receive tips, tricks, and feedback on how to successfully prepare for an interview.. This day will also include a specialized skills workshop and a Q&A session.

5. Post-Grad Hiring Event:  In addition to the Internship Placement night for incoming seniors, graduating seniors will have the opportunity to attend an event featuring local businesses and organizations hiring for entry-level positions. 

6. Graduation Diploma Seals: The Arizona Department of Education offers Diploma Seals to students who complete the necessary requirements to earn the seals. AFHSD encourages students to achieve these seals and provides support to those pursuing them. For more information on the ADE Diploma seals, please visit: https://www.azed.gov/standards-practices/welcome-diploma-seals.