Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to join the academy during a specific year (i.e., sophomore or junior)?

With the exception of base courses, academy students have special requirements, beyond regularly enrolled students, in each strand course they take. If a student joins the academy after completing strand courses, these requirements will need to be met.

What are the grade point average requirements for the Communications Academy?

In your strand coursework, you must maintain a 3.0 GPA with a maximum of 10 credits of C-level work (we would prefer only A/B-level work in ALL strand coursework).

In your general FTHS coursework, you must finish the first semester of your senior year with an overall weighted GPA of 2.0 and maintain that GPA of 2.0 through the end of your senior year.

If I get a C or less in a strand course, can I repeat the semester and replace the grade?

If you have room in your schedule to repeat a strand course, you may use the improved grade for academy purposes.

Can I take a strand course more than once for academy credit?

You may not take a course more than once and have the second set of credits count towards your strand certificate.

If my interests change, can I switch academy strands?

If your schedule allows you room enough to complete the minimum coursework (40 credits) in a different strand, you may alter your Statement of Intent to reflect participation in an alternate strand.

How many courses can I take at Ventura College, Buena High School or Ventura High School that will count towards academy credit requirements?

A maximum of 10 credits may be earned off-campus at BHS or VHS.

A maximum of 10 credits may be earned off-campus at VC.

Can I complete the FTHS graduation requirements while participating in the Communications Academy at FTHS?

Foothill requires 230 credits of coursework in specific subject areas for graduation. The electives subject area requires 60 credits, fine arts requires 10 credits and applied arts requires 10 credits. Since a base certificate requires 60 credits and a full schedule for 4 years allows 280 credits (not counting time at Ventura College, Buena High School or Ventura High School), a student should have plenty of room to enroll in coursework required for a Communications Academy certificate.

Can I still complete the required A-G coursework while participating in the Communications Academy at FTHS?

The UC/CSU A-G required coursework includes 15 courses (150 credits) in specific subject areas. A Foothill student has room in their schedule over 4 years for up to 280 credits on-campus. A base certificate in the Communications Academy requires 60 credits of coursework, some of which could qualify for the F- or G- requirement - 150+60=210.

Can I still complete the recommended A-G coursework while participating in the Communications Academy at FTHS?

The UC/CSU A-G recommended coursework includes 18 courses (180 credits) in specific subject areas. A Foothill student has room in their schedule over 4 years for up to 280 credits on-campus. A base certificate in the Communications Academy requires 60 credits of coursework, some of which could qualify for the F- or G- requirement - 180+60=230.

I participate in sports and/or music at my boundary school (BHS or VHS), can I still complete a certificate in the FTHS Communications Academy?

It depends on your level of participation and enrollment in other programs. If you play sports every semester, every year, you may not have room in your schedule for the Communications Academy in addition to graduation, A-G required or A-G recommended coursework.

I participate in the BioScience Academy at Foothill, can I still complete a certificate in the FTHS Communications Academy?

The BioScience Academy is a challenging program of classes over 3 years. If you are trying to complete the recommended A-G coursework in addition to the BioScience Academy coursework, you are probably not in a position to complete a certificate in the Communications Academy. This is NOT to say it is impossible, only improbable...see your counselor and academy mentor(s) for planning assistance.

What are the educational objectives of the Communications Academy?

• Provide students with electives maintaining a high level of relevance by building courses in which they gain skills, behaviors and relevant knowledge in particular career fields
• Provide students with electives maintaining a high level of rigor by infusing elective courses with standards-base concepts
• Provide opportunities for authentic assessment including portfolio work, certifications, displays, performances or competitions
• Provide students with the motivation to continue learning and personal growth by staying enrolled in elective coursework during their junior and/or senior year in high school
• Provide students incentive to increase or maintain their grade point average at a high level
• Provide students with new electives based on community need, student interest and career development opportunities

What incentives are there for a student to participate in the Communications Academy?

• Recognition at Senior Awards Night
• Certificate Awarded at Graduation
• Communications Academy Cords for Graduation
• Notation of Academy Completion on Transcripts
• Invitations to Guest Speakers and Special Events