High School Academies

TEACH! (Teacher Education and Early College High)

TEACH! is designed for students with an interest in pursuing a career in the field of education. Through rigorous coursework and an industry-focused teacher education pathway, TEACH! prepares students to be independent thinkers, changemakers, and champions of equity and access within their communities.

As members of the first Early College High School to be offered at Venture Academy, TEACH! students have an opportunity to graduate high school with both a Venture Academy diploma and an IGETC Certificate of Achievement (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) from San Joaquin Delta College. The academy is designed with a comprehensive system of support to empower all students to achieve in high school, higher education and beyond. These supports include a cohort model, dedicated advisory time, mentorship and fieldwork opportunities with educators throughout San Joaquin County, and access to counseling services through both Venture Academy and Delta College.

Upon acquiring a bachelor’s degree at a local university, TEACH! graduates will have an opportunity to return to their communities, earn a teaching credential through Teachers College of San Joaquin, and educate, inspire, and advocate for the youth of tomorrow.

Venture Academy developed TEACH! in partnership with San Joaquin County Office of Education, San Joaquin Delta College, Humphreys University, Teachers College of San Joaquin, and San Joaquin A+. All partners are committed to supporting TEACH! students throughout their journey to become a credentialed teacher.

Delta Vista (Delta Visionary Integrated Science, Technology and Academics)

The structure of Delta VISTA is one where professionalism is stressed every day in preparation. Several Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered, including, but not limited to, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP English Language and Composition, AP Human Geography, AP Psychology, and AP Spanish. AP classes are not offered every year, some are offered on a rotating basis based on student need. A dual enrollment program with Delta College is offered each year to juniors and seniors with a qualifying GPA.
Students interested in Delta VISTA must complete an interview process. Once accepted, students with the assistance of parent(s)/guardian(s) and Delta VISTA teachers will register for the classes that will fill their four-day-a-week schedule.

Foundations (Theatre & Performing Arts Program)

Students in grades 9th through 12th who are interested in learning by integrating many aspects of the theatre and performing arts with traditional academic learning standards find this academy both challenging and exciting. They learn the same material required of any high school student in the state of California; however, they learn through a theatre and performing arts perspective. While enrolled in the program, students are required to participate in a Drama class. Students are also encouraged to participate in additional performing arts classes: Choir, Piano, Guitar, Set Design, Digital Theater or various Dance classes as a part of their daily learning activities. Teachers and students within the academy work together in the production of Fall, Winter, Spring, and Evening Theatre performances. Every student within the Foundations program participates in some capacity of each production, ranging from set-up to performance, stage-hand, tech crew, concessions, preparation, and clean-up. Participation in all theatre performances is mandatory for every Foundations student.

BrainworX Academy

BrainworX is a Critical Thinking academy that focuses on 21st Century skills, integrated thematic learning and real-world application. Our smaller classroom sizes and cohort model allows for a close-knit atmosphere among teachers and students. Our goal is to prepare students for success in any pathway, whether that be career or college. BrainworX prioritizes A-G coursework, Career & Technical Education, and Dual Enrollment through community college credits. Students display mastery of their course content through a summative assessment called Defense of Mastery. Through this process, students have the opportunity to choose a topic they are passionate about, write and defend a thesis, and present to a panel of teachers, peers, and community members each semester. BrainworX has high academic expectations for students, and equally emphasizes community culture through content-specific field trips, game nights, and other culture building events.

ImagineIT

ImagineIT Academy is designed for students interested in 21st Century education with an emphasis on Career Pathways. The ImagineIT team believes that a rigorous, project-based curriculum best prepares students for a successful transition into both college and career. ImagineIT teachers partner closely with the Career Technical Education (CTE) team to ensure that all ImagineIT students enroll in one of the many career pathways offered at Venture. Students intentionally choose one or more of the offered pathways which include CTE courses such as Manufacturing, Construction, Mechanical Construction (Welding), and Graphic Design, as well as an option for a university pathway (including AVID and A-G coursework) and a comprehensive Art pathway (including Advanced Art, Art Studio and Art for Careers). This focus on real-world preparation and hands-on exploration extends to core curriculum as well, creating an environment that is challenging and engaging for all academy students.

Durham Ferry High School

Durham Ferry provides hands-on experiences in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Ecology, Leadership, Outdoor Education and Applied Multimedia Technology. It is located on a 290-acre park nestled within the riparian habitat of the San Joaquin River, the site is located approximately 7 miles south of Manteca. Durham Ferry is comprised of a ranch with state-of-the-art facilities, nature trails through open areas and riparian forests, a student operated visitor center and modern classrooms. Each instructor brings expertise, a passion for teaching and a desire to provide students with rich learning opportunities within this natural laboratory. Students receive instruction using non-traditional, thematic approaches in core academic subjects. Durham Ferry staff is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, research and developing leadership qualities in students who will make a positive difference both locally and globally. Teachers work toward improving students' ability to think critically, use common sense, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. Students who attend Durham Ferry are those who are prepared to work hard, get dirty, and play passionately, and leave Durham Ferry career and college ready.

Independent Study

Venture Academies Independent Studies program offers students an alternative to students/parents to the site-based programs. Designed for students/parents who have circumstances that prevent regular site-based attendance. Independent Study students at VAFS work as independent learners. Students in grades 9-12 are assigned a teacher who monitors and assesses their progress and assigns work based on individual student’s goals. Students and their parent or guardian will help in the development of these goals. Students will meet with their teacher of record (TOR) at regular intervals or monthly check-ins meetings. Students have options of traditional course work or an online program. Based on availability, some Independent Studies students can have access to elective courses or CTE classes on site.

Excel Academy

Excel Academy currently serves students grades 9th–12th who have strong interest in the Health or Sports Sciences field. Excel currently places students on A-G pathway and NCAA requirement schedules. The Excel building is also home to the Graphic Design CTE Pathway, as well as the Venture Training Center for students and athletes. The focus of Excel Academy revolves around the opportunities and responsibilities available within the world of sports. Excel focuses on multiple aspects of the sports universe including journalism, broadcasting, weight training, statistics, and anatomy. We encourage students to explore all aspects of being involved in athletics from every angle.