Waggener High School hosted educators from across the country for a National Career Academy Coalition Insight Onsite visit. Ten school districts traveled to Waggener to learn its approach to career-focused education, showcasing the achievements of Jefferson County Public Schools’ Academies of Louisville.
The JCPS Academies of Louisville model launched in 2017 and represents a strategic shift in education. Fifteen JCPS high schools now organize learning around career themes and pathways.
This model allows students to choose an academy that sparks their interest, exploring fields like health sciences, information technology or business. Strong academics blend with practical career skills, including hands-on projects and partnerships with local businesses.
NCAC supports this career academy model. As a nonprofit, NCAC sets the standard for high-quality academies and offers accreditation. The Academies of Louisville align with NCAC principles.
Waggener High School exemplifies this model’s effectiveness as Kentucky’s first school with NCAC accreditation for multiple academies. Waggener prepares students for the workforce with essential skills, knowledge and real-world experiences. Business partners include Humana, Baptist Health, Norton Healthcare and Fives Intralogistics Corp.
Waggener High School made strides in college and career readiness. Its postsecondary readiness rate rose from 30% at the end of 2018 to 79% by the end of 2024. All three of Waggener’s academies earned “Model” status from NCAC.
The Freshman Academy received the recognition in 2020 and later achieved “Model with Distinction,” ranking in the top 2% nationally. The Health Science Academy and the IT & Law Academy followed suit.
In spring 2025, Waggener High School invited 28 educators from across the nation for the NCAC Insight Onsite visit. This event showcased the school’s Academies of Louisville model for student success.
Visitors from states including Connecticut, Tennessee and Hawaii engaged in tours of academy spaces, observed classroom instruction and interacted with students and staff to gain a comprehensive understanding of Waggener’s approach to career-focused education.
Principal Dr. Sarah Hitchings noted that Waggener’s achievements stem from the culture of support among students and staff.
Dr. Hitchings said Waggener’s high teacher retention rate of 95.6% fosters a stable, supportive learning environment. This consistency allows teachers to build relationships with students and develop an understanding of their individual needs, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Visitors said they left the event feeling inspired and ready to make changes in their own schools.
“I want our students to walk into that same type of culture that has been established here at Waggener, where everybody is important, everything you do is important,” says Dr. Toriano Holloway, superintendent of Vicksburg Warren School District in Mississippi. “If we can get our kids to feel that, then we’ll continue to be successful.”
The true testament to Waggener High School’s success resonates in the voices of its students. During the NCAC Insight Onsite visit, a panel of student ambassadors shared their personal experiences. For many, the academies cultivated a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
“I really felt included in the Freshman Academy, like I found my place,” says Kayla, a Waggener freshman.
This sentiment is echoed by Lucas, a senior in the IT & Law Academy.
“I love the community here, and you really get to know people,” says Lucas.
Students highlighted the practical skills gained through their academy experiences.
Wyatt, a Health Science Academy senior, noted the value of “learning things that I can actually use, even if my specific career path changes.”
Lauren, a senior, explained how mock interviews helped her “learn to think on my feet and feel more prepared for future challenges.”
The supportive environment and teachers were frequently praised by students.
Carsen, a Health Science Academy senior, expressed his appreciation for teachers who “really care and go the extra mile to help you understand things.”
Max, an IT Academy senior, said he feels well-equipped for his future.
“The teachers here genuinely prepare you for what’s next,” says Max.
The experiences shared by Waggener’s students underscore the power of the academies model in fostering innovation, collaboration and a student-centered approach to education.
Their voices served as an inspiring conclusion to the NCAC Insight Onsite visit, leaving visiting educators with a clear understanding of the difference this model is making in the lives of students.
