Ms. Emily Pelz | Principal | Beloit Memorial High School
March 2022 - The Many Advantages of the Academies at Beloit Memorial High School
The School District of Beloit is proud to be the only District in Rock County offering a Career
Academy system since the 2018-2019 school year. This type of programming is one of the many
advantages of attending Beloit Memorial High School.
Small Learning Communities: Discovering Passions
Career Academies offer a personalized small learning community involving a cohort of students and a team of teachers committed to each student’s success in school and life. Students share smaller personalized environments with peers who have common interests and a team of teachers who serve as their advocates. The Academies empower students through career exposure, so they can make timely, informed decisions and discover their true passions while earning early college credit and nationally recognized industry certifications.
Career, College, Technical Certification, And More
Career academies are for all BMHS students because they provide students the opportunity to
acquire the 21st
-century skills necessary for a successful future. Teachers across disciplines in
each academy work together to create meaningful connections between their content and the
career pathways offered within each academy.
Students who are pursuing post-secondary education or are entering directly into a career upon
graduating from high school equally benefit from the opportunities afforded to students in the
academy model. Students can take advanced coursework, earn college credit and explore
careers. Opportunities also exist to earn an associate degree, technical diploma, and other
industry certifications. When it’s time to head to college or into a career, these opportunities
and experiences will ensure our students are set up for success.
Real-World, Relevant, Engaging Learning Experiences
Our Academies provide real-world, relevant, engaging learning experiences with local businesses
and professionals; it is all about linking schoolwork and the workplace. Academy classes include
core academic courses and a sequence of career-technical courses defined in a student’s chosen
pathway. We want to give our students every opportunity to learn about their areas of interest
and form a deeper understanding of required academic subjects, electives, and specialized
courses to prepare them for life beyond high school.
While enrolled in their academy, students can complete their choice of advanced academic
classes and earn early post-secondary opportunities through Advanced Placement (AP) or CAPP
courses, Early College Credit Program (ECCP), or Start College Now. Many of our pathways also
offer dual credit or industry certification. Beloit Memorial High School students graduate with
the advanced skills and education they need to be successful and productive in college, career,
and life.
Business and Community Partners Connect and Collaborate
Business and community partners are essential in preparing students for life after high school
and are integral to the educational experiences students receive in our Academy model.
Connections with business and community partners provide students with 21st-century skills for
post-secondary and career success. There are various opportunities and experiences offered to
our students beyond the classroom that each BMHS student can explore:
• College Visits / Tours
• Industry-Specific Field Trips
• Internships
• Apprenticeships
• Job Shadows
• Career Panels
• Mentoring and Career Coaching
Beginning Freshman Year: A School Within a School
All Freshmen begin their experience at BMHS with the Freshman Academy. The Freshman
Academy sets the foundation of our Career Academies and prepares students to select a Career
Academy for their sophomore through senior year.
Students in the Freshman Academy have common expectations and shared experiences,
creating a school within a school feeling as they transition into our high school. All Freshmen are
required to take a Freshman Seminar course, where students focus on learning more about
themselves, their interests, and aptitude, and learn study skills, life skills, employability /
professional skills, and career knowledge.
After freshman year, all students declare an Academy based on their career interest areas. The
Academy choices include BACH (Business, Art, Communication, and Hospitality); HHES (Health,
Human, and Educational Services); or PACMES (Public Safety, Automotive, Construction,
Manufacturing, Engineering, and Science).
Associate Degree and Certifications
Being a member of an Academy means that you engage in instruction tailored to your chosen career pathway. All students, regardless of their Academy selection, can participate in our Collegiate Academy with the benefit of graduating high school, earning a two-year degree or with several professional certifications from Blackhawk Technical College at no cost to the student. Our 2019 graduates earned 151 Industry and State-Recognized professional certifications.
Thinking Beyond Now
BMHS is dedicated to preparing students for post-secondary education and 21st -century careers through the high school experience. The BMHS Academy system provides real-life learning opportunities that benefit our students focusing on enrichment both on and off-campus.
