Schools of Success
Schools of Success is the model for Fort Wayne Community Schools for organizing career pathways that prepare students for life after graduation. As the regional career center in Allen County for over 50 years, we are proud to lead the way in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Today, high schools across the county are expanding their CTE offerings and following the strong example set by FWCS. Schools of Success ensures every student has access to meaningful pathways that lead to college, careers and long-term success.
Our model includes three main career pathway areas:
- Health Sciences & Human Services: Focuses on careers that support healthcare, social work, early childhood education and public safety.
- Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology & Trades: Prepares students for hands-on, technical careers in fields like advanced manufacturing, construction, automotive and engineering.
- Business & the Arts: Covers a wide range of creative careers including marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, graphic design, digital media and performing arts.
Off-Site Career Academy Programs
The FWCS Career Academy serves students in grades 11 and 12 who choose hands-on, off-site learning opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom. These programs are designed to give students real-world experience in their chosen field.
-
During the second semester of freshman year, students choose between on-site or off-site pathways. If they want to experience Career Academy come junior and senior year, they must choose "off-site".
-
Families are welcome to contact the Career Academy main office to schedule a tour and learn more.
-
Transportation is provided for students attending the Career Academy from their home high schools.
Expanding Access Across allen county
Because our programs are highly competitive, not all students are able to enroll. That’s why we’re excited to see more high schools across Allen County offering additional on-site CTE pathways, ensuring more students are prepared for college, careers and life after graduation.
Explore More
For more information about each FWCS pathway & information about our 24 off-site Career Academy programs, see the links below.
Hear from our district community about how FWCS Schools of Success is helping students explore career pathways, build real-world skills and prepare for life after graduation. Watch the video to learn more.
Portrait of a Graduate
From the moment students enter FWCS, they are introduced to their designated profile, Explorer, Connector or Graduate, displayed in every school. These profiles were designed to highlight the skills, traits and knowledge FWCS aims for its students to possess as they progress through each stage of their education.
These Portrait Profiles are deeply aligned with the district's Schools of Success Pathways, offering clear, structured routes through areas to form a system that supports students from early learning through graduation.
Portrait of an Explorer (elementary)
- Skilled
- Experienced
- Prepared
- Connected
Foundational literacies, early creative & social skills
Portrait of a connector (Middle School)
- Skilled
- Experienced
- Prepared
- Connected
Skill-building and community connections in a growing context
Portrait of a graduate (high school)
- Skilled
- Experienced
- Prepared
- Connected
Real-world preparedness, advanced skills, post-secondary readiness