Page 7 - Pathways to Possibilities

DISCOVER YOUR PATH IN A CHOICE OR CAREER ACADEMY PROGRAM

Official Policies and Procedures Learn More
This guide is intended to provide a helpful overview of the Choice Ready to learn more about the exciting Choice and Career
and Career Programs and the Choice application process. For programs available in Palm Beach County? Here are the best
the official policy and guidelines, please review the following resources to guide your journey:
documents on the Department of Choice and Career Options · Discover Program Details: Visit the Department of Choice
website: Choice Programs Procedures Manual | School District and Career Options website for comprehensive information
Policy 5.016-Choice Schools and Programs on all our offerings. www.palmbeachschools.org/choice
· See Our Schools in Action: Get a feel for each school's
What are Choice Programs? unique environment by visiting their individual websites and
Choice Programs give your family the power to choose an attending their Open House events.
educational environment that perfectly matches your child's · Apply Online: When you're ready, you can explore your
unique interests and learning style. Available in elementary, final options and submit your application through the official
middle, and high schools across the district, these programs portal. www.mypbchoiceapp.com
feature specialized, theme-based curricula designed to ignite · Ask Questions: Have a specific question? Our team is here
a lifelong passion for learning. Students can dive deep into to help! Email us at choicequestions@palmbeachschools.org.
exciting and rigorous fields of study such as: STEM, STEAM,
Medical Sciences, Cybersecurity, Performing Arts, International Understanding Your Program Options
Baccalaureate (IB), Computer Science, Engineering, Culinary Arts, To make the best decision for your family, it's important to know
Construction, Law, Fire Science, Entrepreneurship and more. the two main types of programs available: In-House and Choice.

Career Academies: Planning for Success In-House Programs: For Zoned Students
Career Academies offer students a unique advantage, providing Programs designated as "In-House" are reserved for students
a direct pathway to high-skill careers by connecting classroom who live within that school's attendance boundaries. We highly
learning with real-world experience. Choosing the right academy encourage zoned students to apply for these programs offered at
is an important step in your student's journey, and we have their zoned school, as it provides a higher priority for acceptance
excellent resources to help guide your decision. during the selection lottery. However, continued enrollment
We encourage families to use the following tools for career and depends on residency; if a student moves out of the school's
educational planning: zone, they can no longer participate in the In-House program.
· Florida's Career Planning Tools: The Florida Department Choice Programs: Open to All Students
of Education (FLDOE) offers free online interest inventories "Choice" programs are open to every student in Palm Beach
and career planning resources. These tools are invaluable for County, no matter where they live. Choice programs give every
helping students discover educational pathways that align student access to a wider range of educational opportunities. This
with their natural talents and passions. allows students the opportunity to attend a different school to
· Your School Counselor: Your student's school counselor is enroll in a specialized program that is not available at the zoned
an essential partner in this process. We highly recommend school. Additionally, applying for a unique Choice program that is
scheduling an appointment to discuss program options, offered at your own home school provides access to a specialized
career goals, and the best educational choices for your child. curriculum right in your neighborhood.
Pathways to High-Demand Careers Full Choice Schools: For Everyone
Our Career Academies are strategically designed to give students Full choice schools are schools do not have an attendance
a competitive edge in South Florida's job market. We partner with boundary. All students, regardless of the attendance boundary,
local industry leaders to create programs that prepare students are eligible to apply. All students attending a full choice school
for high-skill, high-wage careers that are in demand right here in have been assigned through the Choice application and lottery
Palm Beach County.
selection process.
By enrolling in one of these academies, your student can gain
a head start on a rewarding and prosperous future. We offer All grade appropriate applicants may apply to the following full
specialized programs in several key sectors, including: Choice schools: Morikami Park Elementary School, Northboro
Elementary School, Poinciana Elementary School, S.D. Spady
· Aviation, Aerospace & Engineering: Join a thriving local hub Elementary School, Bak Middle School of the Arts, Don Estridge
for technology and innovation. High Tech Middle School, A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts,
· Information Technology: Prepare for a fast-paced career in Suncoast High School, and Village Academy.
software, networking, or cybersecurity. All grade appropriate applicants may also apply to the 6-8 Choice
· Healthcare & Medical Sciences: Enter a growing and vital programs offered at the following K-8 schools: Addison Mizner
field dedicated to wellness and saving lives.
School, Dwight D. Eisenhower K-8, Hidden Oaks K-8, North
Grade K-8, Plumosa K-8, South Olive K-8, The Conservatory
School @ North Palm Beach, and Verde K-8.

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