Q: My child has no idea what they want to be! What TigerPath Academy should we pick?
A: That’s okay! In fact, it’s perfectly normal. For now your child can just “try out” an academy, and if they find it’s not for them, they can switch.
TigerPath Academies are uniquely designed for students to explore career possibilities that haven’t occurred to them or they may not even know exist. By answering key questions like “what do you like” and “what are you good at”, students will hone in on their unique interests and skills. Up until this point, they may not have realized what is critically important to them, such as preferred work environment, personal and work values, and key preferences. They will be encouraged to consider a wide range of career options, discover more of what they like and don’t like through trying different classes and change their mind at any time.
Q: Can a student switch academies?
A: Absolutely. We’d much rather have students switch academies in high school than after two or three years of college! The goal is for students to find the best educational and career path specifically for them.
Q: What’s the advantage of TigerPath?
A: The TigerPath Academies give students the direction, tools, education, support, and hands-on experience to get where they want to go with confidence. By selecting one of the four TigerPath Academies, your student will take classes, pursue internships, experience hands-on learning, and much more tailored learning activities to nurture his/her career interests. In some cases, students are able to obtain industry-recognized certifications or required training while still in high school. A variety of career-specific classes and hands-on learning opportunities give Hutchinson High School students an advantage when building their resume, applying for apprenticeships, and/or earning scholarships to trade school, college, or other specialized programs.
Q: How are parents involved?
A: The TigerPath Academies conversation begins when your student is in 8th grade. Our process for helping students register for their first year of high school classes has evolved into a streamlined 6-week process that begins with time spent with parents and students to answer questions and make sure we have time to listen to what the student wants to try. Based on career assessments, interest, and aptitude, school counselors will work with parents and students to fill their schedule with valuable learning and exploring opportunities. Watch for correspondence from the school about this initial meeting time, and log into Naviance to learn more about any changes to your student’s schedule.
Q: What is the Center for Technical Excellence?
A: The Center for Technical Excellence is what used to be referred to as “the shop.” Now it is in all likelihood the most advanced, best-equipped Career & Technical Education facility of any high school in Minnesota!
Contact us for any questions or feedback you may have.