Your Future Starts Here
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Signature Academies offer an innovative and unique approach to education that is designed to increase student engagement and foster in-depth learning within specific fields of interest. Each academy offers unique courses and specialized learning opportunities, designed to equip students with practical knowledge and skills. Successful completion will allow students to enter the workforce immediately or continue their education at a post-secondary institution.
The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Signature Academy Application Portal opens on January 9th, 2024!
New applications will be accepted for rising 9th and 10th-grade students through Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at 4:00 pm.
*Applications should be completed by parents and guardians only.
Current Signature Academy Students should not complete a new application.
Signature Academies are optional. Students are not required to participate.
Learn Now, Experience Forever
Northern Zone Academies
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ACE - College Excellence
Provides students with an opportunity to take all required courses for a high school diploma and all required courses for an associate’s degree concurrently. Students will graduate from high school with the capacity to engage in a high-demand technical field career earning a family-sustaining wage or enter a 4-year college as a junior.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Lawson State Community College
Course Pathways
- ACE - 4 Year Transfer Pathway
- ACE - Medical Office Administration Pathway
- ACE - Computer Science Pathway
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Agriscience Construction
Provides students with classroom and laboratory activities covering five pathways- Power, Structure, and Technical Systems; Environmental and Natural Resources Systems; Animal Systems; Plant Systems; and Agribusiness Systems. Students will gain knowledge of basic safety, construction math, hand tools, power tools, construction drawings, basic rigging, communication skills, employability skills, and material handling.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Agri-AFC LLC
- HOAR Construction
- Spire (formerly Alagasco)
- Lawson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- UDA Inspector ($51,527)
- Turfgrass Management ($54,527)
- Agricultural Sales Representative ($57,972)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Fundamentals of Agriscience
- Intermediate Agriscience
- Advanced Agriscience
- Applied Agriscience
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Culinary Arts
Introduction of students to the world of cooking in the culinary arts. Credentials may be attained in the program.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Alabama Power
- KAMTEK
- Bevill State Community College
- Jefferson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Chefs and Head Cooks ($59,000)
- Food Service Managers ($61,000)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Culinary Arts I
- Culinary Arts II
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Event Planning
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Cybersecurity
Prepares students with real-world, hands-on activities that will help them to gain knowledge and credentials in cyber ethics, network systems and security, computer boot processes and drive, intrusion detection, ethical hacking, cryptography, virtualization, cyberterrorism, and the applicable laws and administrative procedures of cybersecurity.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Innovation Depot
- TestOut
- Ed Farms
- Jefferson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Software Developer ($89,600)
- Computer Systems Analysts ($82,700)
- Computer Network Support Specialist ($71,000)
- Web Developer & Digital Interface Designer ($75,600)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Information Tech Fundamentals
- Networking I Fundamentals
- Cybersecurity I PLTW
- Jeff State Cyber-Security Dual Enrollment Courses
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Engineering
Develops students’ skills and knowledge to understand the engineering design process through research and applications.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Bevill State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Electrical Engineer ($95,000)
- Materials Engineer ($94,000)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Engineering Essentials
- Intro to Engineering Design
- Principles of Engineering
- Digital Electronics
- Engineering Design & Dev
- Computer Integrated Mfg
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Art - Special Effects
Students gain proficiency in special effects make-up creation and application, mask making, prop making, and creature creation. This academy will provide maximum opportunities for creativity and innovative artistic output while in school. Beyond the classroom, students will be introduced to artists in residence and professional organizations.
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Art 1
- Art 2
- Special FX 1
- Special FX 2
- Special FX 3
- Special FX 4
- Special FX Independent Study
- AP or Portfolio
- Options:
- AP 3-D Design
- Portfolio Crafts 4
- Options:
Eastern Zone Academies
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Automotive Technology
Provides students with real-world, hands-on activities that will help them gain knowledge and credentials necessary for an entry-level position in automotive repair or as preparation for them to continue their education in college. Preparation is provided in three NATEF accredited program levels. Students will be eligible to receive ASE workplace credentials.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Tamron Honda
- NAPA Auto
- KAMTEK
Career Opportunities:
- Auto Service Technician ($45,000)
- Bus & Truck Mechanic ($47,000)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Maint & Light Repair A
- Maint & Light Repair B
- Maint & Light Repair C
- Maint & Light Repair D
- Transportation/Dist/Log
- Paint & Refinishing I
- Paint & Refinishing II
- Paint & Refinishing III
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Biomedical Science
Exposes students to careers in the field of medical and health services. Students will participate in Project Lead the Way, a science curriculum program that provides students with the opportunity to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals in the areas of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- UAB School of Health Professions
- St. Vincent’s Health
- Jefferson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Biomed Technician ($49,000)
- Biomedical Research($93,000)
- Medical Imaging Professional ($61,000)
- Biomaterials Engineer ($88,550)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Foundations of Health Science and Biology
- Principles of Biomedical Science
- Human Body Systems
- Medical Interventions
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Broadcast Journalism
Prepares students with skills and knowledge for television production through writing, producing, and studio operations.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- WBRC Fox 6 News
- Jefferson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Broadcast Technicians ($38,956)
- Reporter and Correspondents ($41,500)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Intro To TV Production
- TV Writing/Producing/Performing
- TV Production Studio Operations
- TV Production-Photography/Editing
- Advanced TV Production
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Culinary Arts
Introduction of students to the world of cooking in the culinary arts. Credentials may be attained in the program.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Alabama Power
- KAMTEK
- Bevill State Community College
- Jefferson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Chefs and Head Cooks ($59,000)
- Food Service Managers ($61,000)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Culinary Arts I
- Culinary Arts II
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Event Planning
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Leadership (JROTC)
Prepares and motivates high school students and teaches them the value of leadership, personal responsibility, and self-esteem. Development of personal responsibility, communication, management, and strategic thinking. Real-world simulations and teamwork activities will enhance students' learning by providing opportunities for students to work in leadership positions.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Dollar General Distribution Facility
- US Postal Service
- United States Army
- Lawson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- E-3 Lance Corporal ($27,000)
- O-1 Second lieutenant ($49,600)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
First Year
- JROTC Marines Level 1
- JROTC Marines Level 1A
Second Year
- JROTC Marines Level 2
- JROTC Marines Level 2A
Third Year
- JROTC Marines Level 3
- JROTC Marines Level 3A
Fourth Year
- JROTC Marines Level 4
- JROTC Marines Level 4A
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Art - Professional Design
In Visual Arts and Professional Design, students can focus on painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, crafts, graphic design, or digital photography. Each student will produce a final portfolio that will help prepare them for future professional paths or college fields of study.
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Art 1
- Art 2
- Photography
- Art Elective
- Foundations of Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communication
- Introduction to Animation and Visual Communication
- CTE Lab in Arts
- Storyboarding
Southern Zone Academies
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Advanced Manufacturing
Develops students' skills and knowledge in the electrical program of manufacturing, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare them for careers in robotics, industrial maintenance, manufacturing, electronics, and precision machining. Students will participate in coordinated and simulated workplace learning experiences. Credentials may be obtained.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Birmingham Fastener
- Alabama Power
- Lawson State Community College
- Jefferson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Industrial Machine Mechanic ($44,000)
- Maintenance & Repair Worker ($41,000)
- Mechatronic Engineer ($70,189)
- HVAC ($40,000)
- Electrician ($46,000)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Arch/Const/Manufacturing
- NCCER Indust/Maint E&I 1
- NCCER Indust/Maint E&I 2
- NCCER Indust/Maint E&I 3
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Agricultural Science
Provides students with classroom and laboratory activities covering five pathways- Power, Structure, and Technical Systems; Environmental and Natural Resources Systems; Animal Systems; Plant Systems; and Agribusiness Systems. Students will gain knowledge of basic safety, construction math, hand tools, power tools, construction drawings, basic rigging, communication skills, employability skills, and material handling.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Agri-AFC LLC
- HOAR Construction
- Spire (formerly Alagasco)
- Lawson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- UDA Inspector ($51,527)
- Turfgrass Management ($54,527)
- Agricultural Sales Representative ($57,972)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Fundamentals of Agriscience
- Intermediate Agriscience
- Advanced Agriscience
- Applied Agriscience
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Automotive Technology
Provides students with real-world, hands-on activities that will help them gain knowledge and credentials necessary for an entry-level position in automotive repair or as preparation for them to continue their education in college. Preparation is provided in three NATEF accredited program levels. Students will be eligible to receive ASE workplace credentials.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Tamron Honda
- NAPA Auto
- KAMTEK
Career Opportunities:
- Auto Service Technician ($45,000)
- Bus & Truck Mechanic ($47,000)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Maint & Light Repair A
- Maint & Light Repair B
- Maint & Light Repair C
- Maint & Light Repair D
- Transportation/Dist/Log
- Paint & Refinishing I
- Paint & Refinishing II
- Paint & Refinishing III
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Biomedical Science
Exposes students to careers in the field of medical and health services. Students will participate in Project Lead the Way, a science curriculum program that provides students with the opportunity to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals in the areas of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- UAB School of Health Professions
- St. Vincent’s Health
- Jefferson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Biomed Technician ($49,000)
- Biomedical Research($93,000)
- Medical Imaging Professional ($61,000)
- Biomaterials Engineer ($88,550)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- First Year Prerequisite courses Required at home school - Foundations of Science & Biology
- Principles of Biomedical Sciences
- Human Body Systems
- Medical Interventions
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Broadcast Journalism
Prepares students with skills and knowledge for television production through writing, producing, and studio operations.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- WBRC Fox 6 News
- Jefferson State Community College
Career Opportunities
- Broadcast Technicians ($38,956)
- Reporter and Correspondents ($41,500)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Intro to TV Production
- TV Writing/Producing/Performing
- TV Production Studio Operations
- TV Production Photography/Editing and Advanced TV Production
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Engineering
Develops students’ skills and knowledge to understand the engineering design process through research and applications.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Bevill State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Electrical Engineer ($95,000)
- Materials Engineer ($94,000)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Engineering Essentials
- Intro to Engineering Design
- Principles of Engineering
- Digital Electronics
- Engineering Design & Development
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing
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Leadership (JROTC)
Prepares and motivates high school students and teaches them the value of leadership, personal responsibility, and self-esteem. Development of personal responsibility, communication, management, and strategic thinking. Real-world simulations and teamwork activities will enhance students' learning by providing opportunities for students to work in leadership positions.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Dollar General Distribution Facility
- US Postal Service
- United States Army
- Lawson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- E-3 Lance Corporal ($27,000)
- O-1 Second lieutenant ($49,600)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- JROTC Army Level 1
- JROTC Army Level 1B
- JROTC Army Level 2
- JROTC Army Level 2B
- JROTC Army Level 3
- JROTC Army Level 3B
- JROTC Army Level 4
- JROTC Army Level 4B
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Logistics
Prepares high school students for real-world Global Logistics and supply chain management. Provides development of decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to coordinate the movement of goods and services that may be separated by a few feet or by thousands of miles.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Dollar General Distribution Facility
- US Postal Service
Career Opportunities:
- Logisticians ($64,000)
- Laborer, Freight, Stock, Material Mover ($30,200)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
*12th Grade Students Only* (At Lawson State)
- Logistics Foundational Level Course for Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) Credential
- Logistics Operations Course for Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) Credential
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Art - Music Technology
The Academy of Music & Technology is founded on a research-based curriculum that teaches students the many uses of technology in the music industry. Partnered with participation in band, theatre, choir, or athletics, coursework will include music theory, composition, production, and recording.
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Music Theory I
- Music Technology I
- Music Composition I
- Music Technology II
- Music Production and Engineering I (Recording)
- Music Technology III
- Music Industry I
- Music Production and Engineering II (Recording)
Western Zone Academies
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Advanced Manufacturing
Develops students' skills and knowledge in the electrical program of manufacturing, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare them for careers in robotics, industrial maintenance, manufacturing, electronics, and precision machining. Students will participate in coordinated and simulated workplace learning experiences. Credentials may be obtained.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Birmingham Fastener
- Alabama Power
- Lawson State Community College
- Jefferson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Industrial Machine Mechanic ($44,000)
- Maintenance & Repair Worker ($41,000)
- Mechatronic Engineer ($70,189)
- HVAC ($40,000)
- Electrician ($46,000)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Arch/Const/Manufacturing
- NCCER Indust/Maint E&I 1
- NCCER Indust/Maint E&I 2
- NCCER Indust/Maint E&I 3
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Agricultural Science
Provides students with classroom and laboratory activities covering five pathways- Power, Structure, and Technical Systems; Environmental and Natural Resources Systems; Animal Systems; Plant Systems; and Agribusiness Systems. Students will gain knowledge in basic safety, construction math, hand tools, power tools, construction drawings, basic rigging, communication skills, employability skills, and material handling.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Agri-AFC LLC
- HOAR Construction
- Spire (formerly Alagasco)
- Lawson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- UDA Inspector ($51,527)
- Turfgrass Management ($54,527)
- Agricultural Sales Representative ($57,972)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Fundamentals of Agriscience
- Intermediate Agriscience
- Advanced Agriscience
- Applied Agriscience
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Automotive Technology
Provides students with real-world, hands-on activities that will help them gain knowledge and credentials necessary for an entry-level position in automotive repair or as preparation for them to continue their education in college. Preparation is provided in three NATEF accredited program levels. Students will be eligible to receive ASE workplace credentials.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Tamron Honda
- NAPA Auto
- KAMTEK
Career Opportunities:
- Auto Service Technician ($45,000)
- Bus & Truck Mechanic ($47,000)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Maint & Light Repair A
- Maint & Light Repair B
- Maint & Light Repair C
- Maint & Light Repair D
- Transportation/Dist/Log
- Paint & Refinishing I
- Paint & Refinishing II
- Paint & Refinishing III
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Biomedical Science
Exposes students to careers in the field of medical and health services. Students will participate in Project Lead the Way, a science curriculum program that provides students with the opportunity to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals in the areas of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- UAB School of Health Professions
- St. Vincent’s Health
- Jefferson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Biomed Technician ($49,000)
- Biomedical Research($93,000)
- Medical Imaging Professional ($61,000)
- Biomaterials Engineer ($88,550)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- First Year Prerequisite courses Required at home school - Foundations of Science & Biology
- Principles of Biomedical Sciences
- Human Body Systems
- Medical Interventions
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Building Construction
Introduces students to the world of construction, leasing to careers in building construction, welding, HVAC, and masonry. Provides students with basic knowledge and skills within a safe and appropriate setting for student exploration and achievement and simulates the workplace setting, enhancing students' ability to adapt to an ever-changing job market. NCCER and CAST credentials may be obtained.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Birmingham Fastener
- Alabama Power
- Lawson State Community College
- Jefferson State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Industrial Machine Mechanic ($44,000)
- Maintenance & Repair Worker ($41,000)
- Mechatronic Engineer ($70,189)
- HVAC ($40,000)
- Electrician ($46,000)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Arch/Const/Manufacturing
- NCCER Build/Const 1 Framing
- NCCER Build/Const 2 SitePrep
- NCCER Build/Const 3 Finishing
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Engineering
Develops students’ skills and knowledge to understand the engineering design process through research and applications.
Business Partners/Colleges:
- Bevill State Community College
Career Opportunities:
- Electrical Engineer ($95,000)
- Materials Engineer ($94,000)
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Intro to Drafting Design
- Engineering Essentials
- Intro to Engineering Design
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing
- Principles of Engineering
- Engineering Design & Dev
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Art - Music Technology
The Academy of Music & Technology will build students’ essential knowledge of the music industry with a special emphasis on composition and the music industry. Using state-of-the-art software, students will learn and practice the core skills needed to produce podcasts, marketing content, and music of all kinds.
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
- Music Theory I
- Music Technology I
- Music Composition I
- Music Technology II
- Music Production and Engineering I (Recording)
- Music Technology III
- Music Industry I
- Music Production and Engineering II (Recording)
Find Your School
- Center Point High School
- Clay-Chalkville High School
- Corner High School
- Fultondale High School
- Gardendale High School
- Hueytown High School
- McAdory High School
- Minor High School
- Mortimer Jordan High School
- Oak Grove High School
- Pinson Valley High School
- Pleasant Grove High School
- Shades Valley High School
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can apply for a signature academy?
Signature Academies are optional. Students currently enrolled in grades 8 and 9 will be able to apply for a Signature Academy for the next school year.
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When can I apply for a Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Signature Academy?
The Signature Academy application for the 2024-2025 school year will be open from Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 at 8 a.m. to Friday, January 26th, 2024 at 4 p.m.
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How many spots are open for each Signature Academy?
Some programs have more space than others. We will take as many students as space allows.
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How many Signature Academies will I be able to attend during a school year?
Students may only enroll in one academy for the 2024-2025 school year.
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If a student chooses a Signature Academy at another school, how will they get there?
All students who participate in an academy at a school other than their home campus will travel via Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ school buses.
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My student changed their mind. Can I submit another application?
No. Only one application may be submitted per student. Duplicate applications will not be accepted. No changes can be made after the application has been submitted.
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How do I find my student¡¯s 10-digit state ID number?
Parents can locate their student’s number in the Parent Portal of PowerSchool. If you do not have access to your Parent Portal account, please contact your student’s current school.
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I am having issues with completing my application.
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How do I know I have the right prerequisites?
The application portals will ensure students have the correct course prerequisites.