Waggener High School has become the first school in Kentucky to win accreditation for an academy program, and not just one. Waggener’s IT and Law, Health Science and Freshman Academies have all been accredited by the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC). Meeting the NCAC standards for accreditation means Waggener has a robust program including teaching, facilities and hands on learning steeped in the career academy model.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for Waggener to be recognized and accredited in three different academies by the NCAC,” said Dr. Marty Pollio, Jefferson County Public Schools superintendent. “This is validation of Waggener as a model for preparing students for college or a career when they graduate from high school.”
Waggener received close to perfect scores in all three academies from the NCAC officials who visited the school, observed classes, talked to students and staff, and looked at data. The Freshman Academy received Model with Distinction, a tier reserved for Academies whose results come in within two points of a perfect score. The reviewers had high praise for Waggener’s programming in their report.
The reviewers had high praise for Waggener’s programming in their report.
“Your academy faculty, staff, students and partners are to be commended for the impactful work they are doing,” NCAC officials wrote. “This certification is awarded to academies based on the National Standards of Practice. These standards were developed by nationally recognized educational organizations from around the United States using research to determine best practices for effective academies in better preparing students for high school, college, and life success.”
Waggener’s academy students have secured certifications in their fields of study as well as jobs and internships with local companies like Spectrum and Norton Healthcare where they are using what they’ve learned in school.
“Since becoming an Academies of Louisville (AofL) school in 2017, our Waggener school community has been committed to the consistent implementation of the National Standards of Practice, ensuring each and every Waggener graduate is prepared for postsecondary success,” said Sarah Hitchings, principal. “The successful NCAC reviews of all three of Waggener’s Academies affirm the tremendous work being done by Waggener leaders, teachers, students, and partners. I am so proud of the Academy experience we are able to provide our students and the elite preparation our Wildcats receive for postsecondary education and careers.”