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Early College Experience

Career Magnet Academy is the only Knox County High School that offers true Early College Experience. At Career Magnet Academy, we believe every scholar should graduate with a Diploma Plus—a high school diploma plus the skills, credentials, and college credits that open doors to future success. Our Early College Experience is the heart of this vision.Through our partnership with Pellissippi State Community College, students take college-level courses while still in high school, earning credits that count toward both high school graduation and a college degree. This powerful opportunity allows CMA scholars to get a significant head start on higher education at little to no cost to families.

Why Early College?

  • Earn College Credit Early
    Students complete real college courses in English, math, science, and pathway-specific subjects.

  • Save Time and Money
    College credits earned at CMA can reduce the cost and length of a future degree program.

  • Explore Career Pathways
    Scholars gain hands-on experience in high-demand fields and access early career exploration opportunities.

  • Build Confidence for College Success
    With strong support from CMA teachers, counselors, and college partners, students learn how to thrive in a college environment.

Who Can Participate?

The Early College Experience is designed for motivated, goal-driven students who want a challenging academic environment and a strong pathway to college or career. CMA provides the guidance and structure to help every scholar reach their highest potential.

Graduate with a Diploma Plus

By combining rigorous academics, college coursework, and career-connected learning, CMA ensures that students graduate prepared, confident, and competitive for the future they choose.

Career Magnet Academy is the only school in Knox County Schools that allows students to earn college credit by offering.Dual Enrollment (DE) classes--college courses for which a high school student is enrolled simultaneously at a postsecondary institution. Successful completion of the course results a high school Diploma plus college credits or an associates degree.

Career Magnet Academy Early College Experience builds some of its structure from the foundation of 865 Academies which has transformed what high school looks like in Knox County Schools. Instead of a one-size-fits-all experience, students now have the opportunity to explore their interests, connect with local industries, and prepare for life after graduation—whether that means enrolling in college, enlisting in the military, or finding employment in a high-wage, in-demand profession.Launched in partnership with Ford Next Generation Learning and the Knox Education Foundation, this innovative approach brings real-world learning right into the classroom.

Guaranteed Experiences

From freshman year to senior year, every student in an 865 Academy takes part in intentional, hands-on learning that connects them with the real world.

  • AVID Classes from local industries

  • Guest Speakers from local industries

  • Industry Experiences with tours and hands-on activities

  • Pathway Fair to explore future academy and career options

  • Postsecondary Visits to colleges, universities, and training centers based on students’ interests

  • Job Shadowing experiences where students spend time with professionals in their chosen field

Academic Rigor

  • AVID is paired with Freshman Seminar is focused on pairing multiple activities and experiences with the results of the YouScience Assessment to help equip students with the knowledge and self-awareness necessary to make thoughtful educational pathway choices that align with their unique strengths and interests.
  • ACT Prep CMA scholars take the ACT exam a year before their grade-level peers, all sophomore students become familiar with the test's format, receive personalized instruction that includes practice tests and questions, and they learn proven strategies for succeeding on this important standardized exam.
  • College/Career Seminar provides students with a dedicated space on the college campus where students have access to a CMA college & career staff to help guide their transition from high school to college. Included in Seminar, students continue to learn skills in the following  to help them be successful in their high school and college courses.In addition, students can use Seminar as a study space in between college and high school class schedules.
  • Writing
  • Inquiry,
  • Collaboration,
  • Organization,
  • Reading,
  • Time management

Leadership Opportunities

Student Ambassadors are leaders who represent their school, academy, and community. This is a chance to build communication skills, gain leadership experience, and network with professionals.

Ambassadors:

  • Welcome guests at school events

  • Lead campus tours

  • Speak at district and community events

  • Share insights with peers and partners

  • Attend leadership trainings