Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation had its first opening day of school, ever, ushering in a host of programs aimed to prepare students for myriad technical and professional careers.
Some of those work opportunities already exist.
Others are expected to emerge in the future.
In either case, this high school will provide a broad array of opportunities for students, offering technical training, as well as opportunities for advanced placement, dual enrollment and general classroom work.
The school, at 32555 Innovation Drive, is located at the intersection where Curley Road meets Innovation Way, in Wesley Chapel.
The magnet school represents the first technical school of its type on the eastern side of the county.
Housed in a building that has a modernistic architectural design, the school’s programs include: applied cybersecurity and computer science, automotive maintenance and light repair; diesel maintenance; biomedical sciences; building trades and construction technology; digital media and multimedia; applied engineering, robotics; welding technology; patient care technician; and, electricity.
The school opened with 570 freshmen and sophomores, but will add additional grades to create a school for ninth- through 12th-graders.
Students will be able to earn standard diplomas and industry certifications, as well as take Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses.
The school doesn’t have sports teams, but students will be able to play for the schools in which they are zoned.
The school will have clubs, with specifics determined by school and staff.
Published August 17, 2022
