Career and Technical Education (CTE) of St. Johns County

High School Career Academies

What is an academy?

A Career Academy provides an opportunity for a group of students to enroll in a specific set of courses associated with a designated career area. Each Career Academy has the following components:

  • A recommended sequence of courses.
  • A capstone project, a work site experience, a research project studying careers in the academy area, or some other experience in which students learn more about the career cluster with which the academy is affiliated.
  • A demonstrated need for employees within the Career Cluster.
  • An advisory board consisting of business leaders in the Career Cluster.
  • Adherence to specific rules established by the school system.
  • Hands-on project-based learning throughout the four years of the program.


Career Academies

A Career Academy is a sequence of specific elective courses designed around a career theme.  Career Academies create a “school within a school” feel since students select to be grouped by a common area of interest.  Each Career Academy has a Program of Study that helps guide students in course selection and plan for postsecondary experiences. The Career Academy course is one of their elective courses that they will take each year they stay in the academy.  Students still take all of their academic courses required for graduation at the same school.

**Please pardon our page while it is under construction. We are in the process of adding closed captioning to our videos. Please contact the CTE Department if you need one immediately.

Why should you join a Career Academy?

The most important reason to join is students become part of a group who share their interests and desire to learn about a specific career field. Students will be taught by teachers with expertise in the career field and excitement to engage learning.

Joining a Career Academy can also provide opportunities that may not be available to other high schools students. Students may earn more college credits or earn industry certifications through their enrollment, as well as become more involved in local businesses. Students participating in a Career Academy have a clear path for graduation. Each academy meets all graduation requirements and prepares students for postsecondary education and/or the world of work. While in the academy, students have an opportunity to participate in special activities and events that provide greater awareness of the specific career area and opportunities within that area. Academy participants will be part of a small group of students with similar interests completing courses together. An advisor and business mentor will be provided to answer questions and help each student as they complete their high school experience. Many programs offer industry certification exams.  Those passed are listed on the high school transcript and may count as college credits depending on the college/university the student attends and the major the student pursues.

Join an Academy & Save on College

Did you know? Students enrolled in Career Academies can earn industry certifications which may be eligible for post-secondary credit.

Who is eligible to join a Career Academy?

The St. Johns County school district’s career and technical programs are open to all eligible high school students in the district. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and educational opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against or harassed in any educational program, services or activities, or employment conditions or practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation. The district may assess each student’s ability to benefit from specific programs through placement tests and counseling, and if necessary, will provide services or referrals to better prepare students for successful participation.

Student enrollment in an Academy is contingent upon a minimum enrollment in two or more additional school based core academic courses as determined by the school principal.

If you have questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding discrimination or harassment, please email  [email protected] or call (904) 547-4870.

Programs of Study

Beachside High School Academies

Academy of Information Technology

BHS Information Technology Program of Study

Academy of Global Logistics & Supply Management

BHS Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management Program of Study

Academy of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences

BHS Veterinary Assisting Program of Study

BHS Biomedical Program of Study

Creekside High School Academies

Academy of Emerging Technology

Academy of Engineering & Environmental Sciences

St. Johns County Academy of Future Teachers

Pedro Menendez High School Academies

Academy of Architectural and Building Sciences

Flagler Hospital Academy of Medical & Health Careers

VyStar Academy of Business

Ponte Vedra High School Academies

Academy of Biotechnology and Medical Research

Academy of Information Technology

Academy of International Business and Marketing

St. Johns County Academy of Future Educators

St. Augustine High School Academies

Academy of Law & Homeland Security

St. Johns County Academy of Future Teachers

Aviation & Aerospace Academy

St. Johns Technical High School Academies

Academy of Culinary Arts

Academy of Aquaculture

Tocoi Creek High School Academies

Academy of Future Healthcare Professionals

Academy of Innovation in the Built Environment

Academy of Leadership in Emerging Technologies