Our History

The FWCS Career Academy at Anthis is named in honor of Bill C. Anthis, who served as superintendent of Fort Wayne Community Schools from 1980 to 1990. His career in education began as a teacher and coach in Rockville, Indiana, following his service in the U.S. Navy. He dedicated 33 years to FWCS, spending much of that time at North Side High School in roles including guidance director, dean of boys, assistant principal and principal.

The Career Academy building has a rich history. Originally opened in 1902 as Fort Wayne High and Manual Training School, it was later renamed Central High School. After the high school closed in 1971, the building was repurposed as the Fort Wayne Regional Vocational High School. In 1990, it was renamed Anthis Career Center, and in 2015 became the FWCS Career Academy at Anthis.

Our mission is to equip students with both academic knowledge and technical skills that prepare them to be college and career ready. Students from public, private and homeschool backgrounds throughout Northeast Indiana are welcome to apply.

Program applications are submitted through each student’s home school counselor. Most programs are open to qualified juniors and seniors, with limited options available to sophomores.

Students can earn 3 credits per semester, up to 6 credits per year. Many programs also offer dual college credit and industry-recognized certifications.

Some programs, such as Fire Science and Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice, are held off-site at the Public Safety Academy at Southtown Centre. 

Because programs are designed at the upper high school and college level, students benefit from a strong foundation in math and reading. Enrollment is limited to high school students, and many programs require industry-standard uniforms and footwear.