Academies of West Fargo
The Academies of West Fargo
West Fargo Public Schools began a journey toward personalized learning in 2018; at the high school level, that journey has led us to an academic structure commonly referred to as “academies.”
A career academy is an academic model designed to create smaller learning communities, comprised of students with like interests, through a career-connected, college-aligned theme. Each academy offers electives, advanced coursework, dual credit, intentional career pathways, and capstone experiences to prepare all learners for life, careers, post-secondary, or military pathways.
West Fargo's Journey
Across the district’s three comprehensive high schools, we are working to identify and design academies that align with current programming while envisioning emerging opportunities to prepare learners for their future. District leadership and Planning Committee members understand that this journey requires extensive collaboration, communication, and flexibility to ensure the best possible outcome for both educators and learners. WFPS is working toward a comprehensive academy model at all high schools by the fall of 2026, with a uniquely phased rollout plan for each site.
Great strides were made by various planning committees and through stakeholder input during the 2021-22 school year, and the exciting work continues. Upcoming topics include:
- Defining academy structures (teachers, coaches, teams, counselors, support staff)
- Staff participation in professional learning and conferences
- Engagement in instructional practices and effective teaming
- Student leadership and ambassador training
- Community awareness and partnerships
- Defining the capstone experience
- Evaluation of facilities for possible updates