Planning for high school is an exciting and important step in a student’s journey. In Olathe, our vision —“Their Future is Our Future” — guides an individualized approach that prioritizes student choice and readiness for both college and careers.
Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of pathways, including Career Pathway Programs, Two-Year Academies, and Four-Year Academies. These options focus on high-demand career fields and are designed to connect student interests with learning through hands-on experiences, industry-standard tools, and real-world partnerships. Each opportunity helps students build the academic and technical skills needed for success in their future careers. These pathways are divided into six industries: Health & Human Services, Public Services, Media & Technology, Design, Production & Repair, Agriculture, and Business. To explore the pathways within the six industries, click the industry icon below.
Career Pathway Categories
Career Pathway Programs
Available at all five Olathe high schools, these programs allow students to pursue career-focused coursework while remaining at their boundary high school. No transfer is required.
Two-Year Academies
Designed for juniors and seniors, these academies provide advanced technical training in high-demand fields. Students remain enrolled at their boundary high school for core academic courses and attend a three-hour block at either OATC or OPSIC.
Four-Year Academies
These specialized Academies are available at select high schools and require an application during the fall of eighth grade. Students accepted into a Four-Year Academy will attend the high school where the academy is housed for all four years.
Career Pathway Campuses
High Schools
All five Olathe high schools offer programs that fall into the Career Pathway Programs. In addition, each school is home to unique Four-Year Academies. See where each academy is offered below!
OATC and OPSIC
The Olathe Advanced Technical Center and Olathe Public Schools Innovation Campus serve as the learning hubs for our Two-Year Academies. Juniors and Seniors enrolled in these academies will attend their home high school for their core classes and travel to one of these locations for three hours of their school day. These locations were intentionally designed to provide students with access to professional-grade equipment, industry-standard laboratories, and collaborative learning spaces that resemble real-world work environments. To see what program is at each location, check out the list below!
Career Technical Education (CTE) provides middle school, high school, postsecondary and adult learners with the knowledge and skills they need to be prepared for successful careers. Learners enrolled in CTE programs progress along a pathway of specific academic and technical courses. Programs of study are organized by career clusters, which include distinct groupings of occupations and industries based on required knowledge and skills. Leadership and interpersonal skill development are enhanced through Career Technical Student Organizations like DECA, FCCLA, TSA, SkillsUSA, and more. Students often have the opportunity to participate in internships, engage with employers, apply what they learn through hands-on projects, and earn college credit.
For questions, please contact:
Emily Schmidt
Scott Kreshel
Jenn Barnum
Doug Kapeller
Frequently Asked Questions about the Academies
- Who can be in an Academy?
- What are the steps for enrolling in an Academy?
- When should a student apply for an Academy?
- Is transportation to a Career Pathway provided?
- What if my student accepts the invitation to an Academy but changes their mind before school begins in the fall?
- What if my student changes their mind after beginning the school year at their Academy high school?
Who can be in an Academy?
What are the steps for enrolling in an Academy?
When should a student apply for an Academy?
Is transportation to a Career Pathway provided?
What if my student accepts the invitation to an Academy but changes their mind before school begins in the fall?
What if my student changes their mind after beginning the school year at their Academy high school?
Two-Year Academy FAQs
- Who do I contact for more information about Two-Year Academies?
- What is CTE and how is it related to academies?
- How do I donate to a Two-Year Academy?
- How to a share job or internship opportunities with Two-Year Academy students?
- What is the OATC and OPSIC Bell Schedule?
Who do I contact for more information about Two-Year Academies?
What is CTE and how is it related to academies?
How do I donate to a Two-Year Academy?
How to a share job or internship opportunities with Two-Year Academy students?
What is the OATC and OPSIC Bell Schedule?
Four-Year Academy FAQs
- Who do I contact for more information about Four-Year Academies?
- If a student participates in a Four-Year Academy at a high school other than their home high school, does that become their home high school, even if they lives in another attendance area?
Who do I contact for more information about Four-Year Academies?
If a student participates in a Four-Year Academy at a high school other than their home high school, does that become their home high school, even if they lives in another attendance area?
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