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At Springfield Public Schools (SPS), we offer multiple academic pathways that support students’ goals, interests, and learning styles. Our choice-centered education model allows students to select learning experiences aligned to their long-term academic and career plans.

Choice Programs support the development of Success Ready Students by providing well-rounded educational experiences. These programs are strengthened through partnerships with business, industry, postsecondary institutions, and community organizations.

Learn more about Smart Goal 1.6.1

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Magnet Schools

Academy of Exploration

Three students wearing lab coats stand in a classroom and hold beakers filled with different colored liquids

Design. Build. Innovate. At the Academy of Exploration, students learn grade-level curriculum through the lens of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). AOE has a heavy emphasis on engineering and its state-of-the-art facility enables students to immerse themselves in a learning environment centered around design thinking, building and constructing, iteration and problem-solving.

Grades 4-6, 150 students

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Academy of Fine and Performing Arts

Three students stand on a stage in a spotlight while performing.

Create. Paint. Perform. The Academy of Fine and Performing Arts is a unique learning environment for students to explore the world around them through the lenses of fine arts and performing arts. The curriculum includes an arts integrated approach to fifth-grade standards with exposure to a variety of fine and performing arts disciplines. The program is housed at The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts for Springfield Little Theatre.

Grade 5, 50 students

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AgAcademy

Three young girls wearing AgAcademy shirts smile while holding chicken eggs.

Plant. Grow. Harvest. The AgAcademy is an innovative agricultural sciences school for students in grades 4-6. The school campus, located at the Missouri State Darr Agricultural Center, features classroom spaces, a demonstration kitchen, a greenhouse, a garden and chicken coop. If selected, students can choose to attend the AgAcademy for three years: grades 4-6. This school is supported by the Darr Family Foundation.

Grade 4-6, 150 students

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WOLF

A WOLF student holds a paddle while in a kayak and smiles.

Discover. Conserve. Protect. WOLF is an innovative learning opportunity for fifth-grade students with a special interest in nature and the outdoors. WOLF offers an inquiry-based learning experience which allows students to explore a comprehensive curriculum through the context of environmental sciences and conservation. This school is made possible by a long-time partnership with Bass Pro Shops.

Grade 5, 46 students

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Health Sciences Academy

A teacher interacts with students wearing red scrubs and goggles as they dissect something.

Diagnose. Develop. Discover. The Health Sciences Academy is a unique learning opportunity housed within Mercy Hospital Springfield. HSA students spend their eighth-grade year at Mercy in specially-designed, state-of-the-art-classroom facilities, using healthcare as the lens for problem-based learning. Students explore a variety of careers, learn from professionals in the medical field, and implement projects to impact the health of our community. 

Grade 8, 50 students 

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OTC Middle College

A Middle College graduate smiles for the camera while wearing her graduation robe and holding her diploma.

Empower. Equip. Expedite. The OTC Middle College is an innovative approach to traditional secondary education located on the Ozarks Technical Community College Springfield Campus. Students attend high school full-time on OTC’s campus while taking college courses. They finish their junior and senior years of high school at OTC and then explore a variety of careers and technical fields including computer science, culinary arts, graphic design and much more. Middle College students will receive free college tuition, textbooks and various services upon admission and enrollment.

Grades 11-12, 150 students

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The Alliance for Healthcare Education

A female high schooler smiles for the camera while touching a large piece of hospital equipment.

Explore. Care. Serve. In the Alliance, students gain the knowledge and credentials needed to get a job and begin a career in the healthcare industry. Alliance students receive up to 60 hours of career exploration in healthcare professions, including hands-on activities in labs, special presentations by healthcare professionals and job shadowing at Cox South. This program is made possible by a partnership with Ozarks Technical Community College, Missouri State University and CoxHealth.

Grades 11-12, up to 100 students

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CHOICE Programs Guide

Explore Springfield Public Schools’ CHOICE Programs to find academic pathways that match your goals, interests, and learning style. Learn about innovative learning opportunities, career exploration, and real-world experiences.

 

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College and Career

Fly SPS

A Fly SPS student walks down a runway at the airport with a small plane in the background

Research. Learn. Fly. Fly SPS provides students instruction in aviation and the opportunity to earn their private pilot's license while earning high school and college credit. Students spend half the school day at Springfield-Branson National Airport engaged in the study of aviation, simulator use, and flight hours. After two successful years, these student pilots can continue working towards their associate’s degree in aviation and earn a commercial pilot's license.

Grades 11-12, 10 juniors selected annually

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GO CAPS

Older students crowd around a 3D printer and look at it with excitement.

Innovate. Collaborate. Elevate. Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) programs are nationally recognized, innovative high school programs. Students fast forward into their future and are fully immersed in a professional culture, solving real world problems, using industry standard tools and are mentored by actual employers, all while receiving high school and college credit. 

Grades 11-12, up to 150 students

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International Baccalaureate

Five high school students wearing IB jackets stand in a lab and interact with a small skeleton model.

Consider. Collaborate. Lead. IB programmes incorporate quality practice from national and international research and the IB global community. They encourage students to be internationally-minded, within a complex and hyper-connected world. The IB Diploma and Career-Related Programs are rigorous, internationally recognized college-preparatory pathways for highly motivated students.

Grades preK-12, over 1,000 students districtwide attend IB schools

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OTC Career Center

A student wears protective goggles and holds a large piece of machinery in a factory.

Empower. Equip. Expedite. At the OTC Career Center, you get a jumpstart on college education, explore possible careers, and develop skills needed in today’s workforce. When students attend the Career Center, they earn both high school and college credit, as well as industry recognized certifications. With 20+ programs available, students have a variety of options for an immersive technical learning experience. This program is made possible by a partnership with Ozarks Tech.

Grades 11-12, 100 students

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STEAM Academy at Jarrett

Two female students wear gloves and dissect an animal.

Create. Engineer. Make. Jarrett STEAM Academy inspires success, innovates, and empowers all students to reach their full potential through STEAM: science, technology, engineering, arts and math. This innovative whole-school learning model focuses on helping students learn the skills to pursue their passions before they even reach high school. Additionally, Jarrett students are encouraged to participate in traditional middle school activities, including: athletics, extra-curriculars, clubs and more.

Grades 6-8

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Fine & Performing Arts Academy at Reed Middle

An overhead view of a conductor and his orchestra of young students playing.

Dance. Create. Perform. Reed Academy of Fine & Performing Arts empowers students to strive for their own success in an immersive fine and performing arts school. This innovative whole-school learning model focuses on fine and performing arts, including: dance, music, performance, visual arts, media production and more. In addition, Reed students are encouraged to participate in traditional middle school activities, including: athletics, extra-curriculars, clubs and more.

Grades 6-8

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Career Technical Education

A student welds while wearing a protective mask and gloves.

Equip. Empower. Engage. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offer a sequence of courses that provide students with coherent and rigorous content.  CTE content is aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in current or emerging professions. CTE programs are available at the middle and high school level and virtually.

Grades 6-12

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