ACADEMIC HOUSES FAQs

The Academic Houses at Starkville High School strengthen the connection between what our students learn in the classroom with what they may do after graduation – making learning more meaningful and giving them the skills they need to be college and career ready.

Starkville High School will offer three Academic Houses beginning fall 2019, including TEC: Technology, Engineering and Construction; CAB:  Communication, Arts and Business; and H²S:  Health and Human Science.  Each House is a small learning community that provides real-world experiences with local businesses and professionals, linking schoolwork and the workplace. Regular coursework, including math, language arts, science and history, is presented within the context and focus of each Academic House.  Through engaging, hands-on experiences with support from business partners, post-secondary institutions and other organizations, The Academic Houses ensure students graduate with a plan for a successful future. 

As eighth graders, students will enroll in Keystone where they will learn the skills necessary to be successful in high school.  During this course, students will explore college and career options, determine their interests and skills, and build a career profile to help them choose a career pathway within one of the three Academic Houses. 

• Smaller, personalized learning environments
• Partnerships with businesses that provide real-world, authentic learning experiences, including work-based internships and opportunities to learn from career professionals
• Focus on 21st century skills students need to succeed in college and life
• A culture of critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication and creativity
• Rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum
• Preparation for college or career 

Colleges and future employers notice students who have the opportunity to develop real-world career skills through high school transcripts and diploma endorsements.  No matter what Academic House our students choose, their courses of study will relate to real problems being faced by real companies. Opportunities like job shadowing and internships will provide hands-on experiences that help our students understand career options and provide increased technical and soft skills. 

The Academic Houses model is designed to prepare all students for a successful future – whether that includes post-secondary education or a direct path to a career.  Students who want to go to college will have opportunities to take advanced coursework, earn college credit and explore careers, which will allow our students to see the relationship between academic subjects and how to apply them to a broad field of work.  When it’s time to head to college, these opportunities and experiences will ensure our students are successful.  

The Academic Houses at Starkville High School will offer dual enrollment and Advanced Placement course options for students who want to pursue an academic diploma or who seek distinction as an AP Scholar.  This more rigorous course of study offered as part of The Academic Houses at Starkville High School will also involve a partnership with the Honors College at Mississippi State University, and it will allow our most advanced learners to explore their academic subjects and apply them to their career interests.

The Academic Houses at Starkville High School emphasize the importance of experiential learning as part of our students’ preparation during their high school career.  As early as 8th grade, students will attend a career expo in which they are exposed to all different kinds of employers that will allow them to engage in meaningful conversations about the kind of education and experiences they will need for that profession.  

During sophomore year, students will participate in coordinated learning experiences through site visits with area employers that match their interest in a particular profession.  Students will also have an opportunity to visit a post-secondary college or university.  

During junior year, students can begin to earn college credit through dual credit/dual enrollment options.  Students can also earn specialized certification and endorsements by completing a sequence of coursework in health, construction and other areas through specified courses.  Job shadowing, an experience that allows students to observe and ask questions of a career professional, will also be an important part of our students’ learning experience.    

In their senior year, students will have the opportunity for individual work experiences through job internships, and students may earn the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness certificate, which measures and certifies essential work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations.  

Yes.  Students will be allowed to change Academic Houses once during their 10th, 11th, and/or 12th grade year.  It is just as important for our students to know what they want to do after graduation as it is for them to know what they do not want to do.  Students who are considering changing Academic Houses should prepare to meet with their counselor, administrator, and parents/guardians to explore opportunities available and discuss how specific learning needs may be met.

Yes.  All Academic Houses allow for varying amounts of credit to be earned through electives and other course offerings. 

No. While the skills courses are suggested, students may choose other courses such as dual enrollment to pursue their specific career interests.