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Learn about U-46 high school academies at open house events

Elgin Area School District U-46 will host a series of open houses at its five high schools to highlight the district's specialized academy programs.

The open houses are designed for middle school students and their parents to learn more about each academy and the application process for these selective programs.

Each high school site will present an in-depth overview of the academy program housed at the school. Sessions begin at 7 p.m. and repeat at 8:15 p.m. at each high school on Tuesday, Sept. 20, and Thursday, Sept. 22.

The five academies are: Science, Engineering and High Technology; Gifted and Talented; Visual and Performing Arts; Broadcast, Education and Communication Networks; and World Languages and International Studies.

"The academies tap the talents and skills of high school students and take them to new levels of learning," said Terri Lozier, U-46 assistant superintendent of secondary schools instruction and equity. "These students tackle a rigorous curriculum that allows them to flourish."

Completed academy applications can be submitted starting Tuesday, Sept. 20, and are due on or before 11:59 p.m. Oct. 11. For more information on the application process or to fill out the online application, visit the district's website at u-46.org and click on Departments and Programs and select High School Academies.

Eighth-graders in good academic standing who live within U-46 boundaries are eligible to apply for the programs, which offer hands-on, industry-specific training, state-of-the art technology and an opportunity to get a head start on higher education.

Here are some details about the academies:

• Science, Engineering and High Technology Academy - located at Bartlett High School, 701 W. Schick Road, offers state-of-the-art laboratories in place of traditional classrooms, providing students with an accelerated math and science curriculum, advanced placement opportunities, and experience using next-generation technologies. Students can take advantage of robotics and STEM workshops and competitions, Project Lead the Way curriculum, courses for college credit, and STEM-focused internships.

• Gifted and Talented Academy - located at Elgin High School, 1200 Maroon Drive, provides a rigorous, innovative academic environment to challenge the intellectual and creative abilities of gifted and talented students. Students are encouraged to maximize their potential through independent study, mentorships and internships.

• Visual and Performing Arts Academy - located at Larkin High School, 1475 Larkin Ave., Elgin, provides artistically talented students with a comprehensive arts-based education. Students are offered honors curriculum in dance, drama, instrumental music, visual art and vocal music.

• BEACON (Broadcast, Education and Communication Networks) Academy - located at South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main St., provides students with hands-on experience in audio and video production, broadcast journalism, film technique and analysis. Students benefit from industry training with media professionals, interviewing state and world leaders, and producing commercials for corporate clients.

• World Languages and International Studies Academy - located at Streamwood High School, 701 W. Schaumburg Road, supports academic subjects, such as history, language arts, foreign language and business through an integrated honors program. The program prepares students for further studies and employment in a global economy with the opportunity to earn the equivalent of six years in Chinese, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish.

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