Linked Learning Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process to sign up my 8th-grade child to attend an academy in their freshmen year?

During the open enrollment window, complete the digital enrollment form linked on this website. If you missed the open enrollment window and still have an interest in your child attending an academy, please contact the CTE department.

How is Linked Learning different from CTE pathways?

A traditional CTE pathway is a two to four-year course sequence focused on a specific pathway within an industry sector. Students who are considered "pathway completers" successfully (grade C or better) completed the concentrator and capstone courses.

A Linked Learning Academy is a four-year course sequence and commitment around a specific industry sector. Each year, a few of the students' core academic courses are "linked" and cohorted to the industry-specific CTE course. This provides an increase in project-based learning to occur between the core courses and the technical industry-specific courses. In addition, Linked Learning students can participate in numerous activities and events based on the work-based learning continuum (guest speakers, industry tours, job shadows, mentorships, and internships).

I am concerned with committing my child to a specific industry sector focus of an academy. Will this limit my child’s choices if they are not interested in that industry sector moving forward with their college education or career?

No matter the academy a student participates in, students discover that learning makes sense when there is a clear connection to the real world. The skills and mindsets they gain have relevance that transcends any given sector and will benefit them regardless of what interests they pursue in college or career.

My child is interested in an academy, other co/extra-curricular activities (band, choir, sports, etc.), and AP or college courses. Can my child attend an academy and participate in these other high school programs?

Yes! Committing to the academy is important, but we understand that students have many interests and commitments. Academy students commit to one of their electives courses each year which would be the industry-specific technical course. The "linked" core courses are courses the student would have to take either way. These courses are tied to the academy and link projects related to the academy with other academy students. Although there are some afterschool academy events, students can participate in sports, rigorous college preparation courses, choir or band, etc. Remember that there is only so much you can fit into a schedule a given year. Therefore, ensure you and your child are clear on their interests and the priority of those interests and commitments.

My child's goal is to attend a four-year university. How will an academy help my child accomplish this?

The Linked Learning approach is not college or career, but rather college AND career. Linked Learning academies are focused on college preparatory courses and curriculum. In addition, the academies focus on 21st-century employability skill development (adaptability, analysis/solutions mindset, collaboration, communication, entrepreneurial mindset, empathy, self-awareness, resilience, etc.) and relevancy with work-based learning experiences leading up to internships and professional adult and industry experiences. All these experiences connected with academic preparation will thoroughly prepare students for college AND careers.

My child wants to attend an academy not located at our home high school. How does this work?

Equity and access are at the forefront of our Linked Learning attendance and recruitment process. Transportation is provided if needed from your home high school to the other high schools. Suppose there is an academy your child is interested in at another high school site other than your home high school. In that case, the Intra-District Transfer policy is waived, and your student can attend that specific high school and academy. Please, note that if your student is no longer in the academy, they will have to return to their home high school at the end of the semester regardless of grade level. The Intra-District Transfer policy is only waived when the student attends the academy.

What happens when my child attends an academy, but we decide it’s not a good fit for my child?

You, as the parent, have the right to withdraw your student from an academy. Here are a few things to consider: 1) If the academy of attendance is not located at your home boundary high school and your child is withdrawn from the academy, your child will be required to return to their home high school at the end of the semester. 2) Removing your child mid-semester will likely require a schedule change and negatively affect their credits and academic programs.

We live outside of Visalia Unified School District residency boundaries. Can I sign up for my child to attend an academy?

The short answer is, unfortunately, no. If you live outside VUSD residency boundaries, you may apply for an Inter-District Transfer. If one is granted, your child may attend an academy of the assigned school on the granted Inter-District Transfer contract if space in the academy is available. This would be the only exception.

What are the requirements to qualify for an academy?

The academy is open enrollment for any VUSD boundary incoming freshman student who is interested. There are no specific academic requirements, and we do not discriminate against any student based on ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or political beliefs. The academies are academically rigorous, and participation requirements may be outside of the regular instructional day. Although counseling and interventions are provided to students who struggle, students must make academic progress to remain in their academy. If your child has specific special needs, please discuss these issues with the academy site AP of Student Services.

What is my child and I committing to by enrolling in an academy?

You are committing to a four-year program. The technical industry-themed courses of the academy build on each other from year to year. The work-based learning events increase along the continuum each year also. By the summer of the junior year into the senior, students may have opportunities for internships, industry certifications, or college credits. As mentioned in the question and answer above, students can engage in other interests, such as co or extra-curricular activities outside the academy. Although this is true, through industry tours, field trips, and projects, students may be required to engage in activities outside the instructional day.