Academies of Shakopee High School in Minnesota

Program Description:

The Academies of Shakopee in Shakopee, Minnesota began in 2018 to bring future-forward learning in and outside of the classroom while meeting students where they are and is one of only two wall-to-wall Academy models in the state. The Academies consist of 8 professional career academies (arts and communication, business and entrepreneurship, engineering and manufacturing, health science, human services, and science and technology), a set up similar to a college campus. There are three theatres, art studios, a health care simulation lab, a commercial grade kitchen, 3D printers, makerspaces, and more, allowing students to explore their chosen pathways creatively and academically. Students are first exposed to the different pathway options in middle school through Gateway Courses, leading them into 9^th grade where they participate in one of two “9th Grade Academies” (alpha or omega), which introduces each pathway and allows students to try out different courses in each of the academies.

The Academies are not meant to force students into one pathway or track certain professions, but to help expose students to their potential passions, career goals, and futures early on. The school provides a framework the students can use to shape their futures and engage in their passions, all while being mentored by community partners and Academy Champions, dedicated teachers, school counselors, alumni, and assistant principals.

Dedicated community partners, who donate time, funding, and talent to help bring more authentic experiences to the students are the backbone of the Academies. Through partnership with local, national, and international companies the school fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork. One specific partnership with Bayer Crop Science led to the company being identified as the “Champion” of the Engineering and Manufacturing Academy. So far, they have committed resources such as financial donations, machinery, industry tools, software, professional mentoring, and more. Partnerships with Ford Next Generation Learning, the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce, and Shakopee Foundation also directly impact workforce development initiatives and student opportunities.

Impact:

The Academies of Shakopee helps to prepare students for the future while maintaining the small community feel of a local, public high school. The Academies’ close collaboration with local organizations allows students to see themselves as the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. The model of the Academies has been shared with other school districts as a way to prepare students for college, career, and their futures.

Population Served:

The Shakopee School District, located in one of the fastest growing suburbs in the Twin Cities, serves roughly 8,000students. Nearly 3,000 of those students are enrolled in the Academies of Shakopee, with each Academy serving around 300-400 learners each.

Learn more here.

Page last updated in August 2026