Academies

Freshman Experience

Advisor(s):  Emily Palombo

The mission of the Freshman Experience is to provide all 9th grade students with personalized educational experiences and start career exploration opportunities at Lawrence High School.

The primary focus of the Freshman Experience is to personalize the educational experience of the incoming freshmen and to assist them in adjusting to the high school learning environment.  This small learning community within the comprehensive high school links students with pers and provides a disciplined and nurturing environment.

Business Academy

Advisor(s):  John Tees

The Business Academy focuses on post-secondary opportunities featuring business applications and strives to provide a local, national, and global perspective responsive to the diversity of issues in American and international markets. These goals are achieved through curricular initiatives such as Business and Finance options, along with the exploration of job-shadowing and internship opportunities. The integration of classroom instruction with meaningful workplace and post-secondary experiences is a critical step in preparing students for the demands of a growing global economy.

The Business Academy offers experiences in a variety of college and career pathways through programs held throughout the year. Relevant post-secondary studies and career options include business administration, entrepreneurship, management, finance, hospitality and tourism, accounting, marketing, sales and service, and international outreach careers. Students in the Business Academy will have the opportunity to meet with professionals from the community, participate in and plan events to build relationships with the broader community, and engage in business-themed experiences.

Science & Health Academy

Advisor(s):  Gwenn Andahazy

Students in the Science & Health Academy apply their knowledge in science, technology, and health sciences to become competent and capable citizens in an ever-growing scientific world. The academy’s approach includes team-based activities that immerse students in hands-on, inquiry-driven learning, fostering growth as pre-professionals.

The Science & Health Academy provides experiences in a variety of college and career paths through its programs held throughout the year. Students in this academy may aspire to careers as astronomers, physicists, chemists, biologists, medical professionals, pharmaceuticals and other science and technology-based roles. Students will also participate in Academy Structured Learning Experiences, working collaboratively on project-based tasks to prepare for future careers.

Innovations Academy

Advisor(s):  Melissa Brunner

Students in the Innovations Academy engage in coursework designed to enhance critical thinking in technology, math, engineering, robotics, computer programming, and product development. A key focus of the Innovations Academy is on problem-solving and transformative learning. Students have opportunities to create, invent, and solve challenging real-world problems in the fields of math, technology, science, and engineering.

The Innovations Academy offers immediate, applicable learning opportunities with professionals in the workforce. Students can anticipate collaboration and networking with professionals from engineering firms, robotics innovations, product development, and infrastructure technology. The academy encourages students to think beyond traditional classroom learning and explore innovative experiences that challenge their imagination and creativity.

Public Service Academy

Advisor(s):  TBD

The Public Service Academy introduces students to careers dedicated to protecting, serving, and strengthening their communities.

Through coursework focused on leadership, integrity, teamwork, and sound decision-making, students gain foundational knowledge across public service fields, including community safety, emergency response, public administration, and security services.

Learning combines classroom instruction with hands-on, scenario-based experiences such as emergency simulations, CPR practice, and incident-response activities. These experiences build critical thinking, ethical judgment, and effective collaboration under pressure.

The academy provides exposure to a broad range of college and non-college pathways through partnerships, events, and structured learning experiences that immerse students in real-world public service environments. Through practical training, community engagement, and mentorship, the Public Service Academy prepares students to become responsible, confident, and service-minded future leaders.