Huntley High to launch global studies, fine arts academies this fall

Huntley High School students hoping to pursue careers in fine arts and global studies can get a leg up through two new academies launching this fall.

The school currently offers two popular academy programs - a competitive Medical Academy with 450 students enrolled, and an Engineering Academy with 350 students, officials said.

"We have the largest bio-med program in the state and one of the largest engineering programs," Principal Scott Rowe said. "They give (students) a very tangible potential career path. The two new academies are built on the same concept ... providing students with experience that allows them to immerse themselves into something they are interested and passionate about."

The new Global Academy will challenge students to understand global diversity and become globally responsive, critical and empathetic citizens.

Students will study world cultures, conflicts, societal values and structures and learn to become global citizens through service learning, varied coursework, and travel experiences. They also can specialize in international relations and human rights, government and law, journalism and media, and world cultures and earn an Illinois Global Scholar Certificate.

"The goal of the Global Academy is about immersing students who are interested in an event and movement of the world to understand what a global society really is and all the working relations that make up our world and how we interact with one another," Rowe said.

Huntley High already offers students opportunities to travel during spring break. In the past, students have been to Belize, China, Costa Rica, Greece, Rome, Spain and Venice, Italy. Officials are planning a trip to Eastern Europe for students to attend an international youth leadership conference.

The academy will provide them real-world experiential learning in their field of interest.

"It will give students a perspective of the world, how they can place themselves in leadership roles to make a positive change," Rowe said. "We are working to develop opportunities for students, job shadowing or mentoring with local government or community organizations."

Students enrolled in the Fine Arts Academy can immerse themselves in a Conservatory Path - music performance, theater, or visual arts - and participate in a series of courses and extracurricular activities to gain well-rounded arts education. They will learn new skills, have the opportunity to perform, visit galleries and attend performances, and develop a portfolio before graduation.

Officials anticipate enrollment in the academies initially won't be as large as the medical and engineering pathway programs. They will be open to incoming freshmen and rolled up through senior year of high school. Students can earn points on their transcripts or a certificate of completion.

"It's a great time to be a high school student," Rowe said. "Our students are able to learn and almost dip their toes in the waters of what they are interested in with a much bigger safety net and we can support that process."