Jackson-Reed’s 10 academies opened their applications to new interested students on February 1, which will close at the start of September 2025. Admissions operate on a rolling basis, with acceptances granted on a first-come-first-serve basis. When an academy reaches capacity, this information will be posted on the application site and students applying after that point will be placed on a waitlist.
The academies include: the Athletic Achievement, Audio Video Production, Biomedical, Graphic Design, Engineering, Finance, Global Studies, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, and the Leadership academy with both Cybersecurity and JROTC.
The academies are split between three academy leaders. Regina McClure oversees the Engineering, Biomed, and Information Technology academies. Tammy Lorenzo leads the Athletic Achievement, Global Studies, and Cybersecurity and JROTC academies. Brandon Wims heads the Audio Video Production, Graphic Design, Finance, and Hospitality and Tourism academies.
Academies are an essential part of Jackson-Reed and a draw to prospective students. In a school of roughly 1,855 students, the academies serve to build smaller learning communities. “[The academies provide necessary] programs for students to get more attention, access, opportunities, not just for their classes, but also to prepare for life after high school,” said McClure. She noted how the academies provide a taste of a career, allowing students to decide whether it’s something they want to further pursue or not.
The opportunities McClure mentioned include numerous community service openings and field trips, where students can watch people in their interested field at work. The academies bring into the building a variety of professionals, whom students can interact with and get an overview of their day-to-day life and career. Internships are also available for juniors and seniors, allowing them to get paid and have further exposure to what the real workplace and field is like.
Logan Reed, a sophomore in the finance academy, mentioned that it is very useful for learning fundamental life skills. “The teachers are both engaged with the students” and aid them in “applying lessons from class to the real world,” said Reed. Izak Richman, a sophomore in the engineering academy, also commended the quality of the teachers, “My favorite thing about the engineering academy is Mr. Meyers.” Another sophomore in the engineering academy, Lee Eckstein, appreciated the thought-provoking and rigorous qualities of the engineering academy as well as “[how it] challenges us to think about how things work. We learn how circuits are built, how to design and take apart toys, and much more.”
To students applying for a new academy, McClure recommended “getting involved.” This could mean taking part in the clubs the academy has to offer, participating in many field trips, and developing a solid relationship with the Academy Head. “Just dive in and become a part of the life of the academy.”
For the current academy students, applications for student leadership open in early April and will be due in May.
As of next year, all ten academies will become Career Technical Education programs. This means they receive funding, which builds even more internship opportunities and further enhances the academies JR has to offer.
