Battle Creek Central highlights career academy model as enrollment and AP participation rise

Battle Creek Central High School leaders presented the Board of Education on Nov. 10 a detailed update on the school's career academy approach, saying the model aims to ensure every student leaves high school with a postsecondary plan.

'We are a wall-to-wall career academy school,' said Tyler Gillen, executive principal at Battle Creek Central, describing a structure that immerses all students in career pathways and small learning communities. He told trustees the system emphasizes frequent purposeful talk, daily writing and project-based learning to accelerate achievement for students at all readiness levels.

The presentation showed measurable growth: honors enrollment rose from about 42 students last year to roughly 160 this year, AP enrollment increased from about 57 to 197, and dual-enrollment participation grew by 16 students. Gillen attributed the gains to targeted outreach, partnership programs and a shift from an opt-in to an opt-out model for honors and AP placement.

'We took the data, identified students who should be in these classes, and moved from an opt-in to an opt-out model so counselors can say, 'You are being placed in one of these classes because you should be,'' Gillen said, describing efforts to reduce barriers and provide supports so students remain in rigorous coursework rather than dropping it.

School staff described the four-year pathway: freshmen participate in career exploration fairs and interest inventories, sophomores take a career-connections class, juniors do job shadows and mock interviews with community partners, and seniors complete capstones and decision-day celebrations that recognize postsecondary plans. Staff said about 56 local organizations joined the school's career fair this year.

The presentation also outlined postsecondary partnerships. The district's Bearkat Advantage program can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees depending on a student's enrollment history; a partnership with Olivet College called 'Olivet Direct' will cover remaining tuition gaps for qualifying students who meet a 2.5 GPA threshold and streamline direct enrollment.

WK Prep, a hybrid credit-recovery program housed at the high school, was highlighted as part of the system's pathway supports. School leaders said WK Prep reports 91% of its students feel proud to be part of the school, that 97% meet tier-1 behavioral expectations, and that current freshmen and sophomore cohorts are on track for on-time graduation.

Trustees asked how the district assesses student interests and aptitude; Gillen said the freshmen curriculum uses platforms such as Xello and YouScience to triangulate interests and strengths over time. Trustees also pressed on how students switch pathways; presenters said families can request pathway-change reviews in tenth grade, and that the staff will hold individualized meetings where appropriate.

Superintendent Kimberly Carter, recognized earlier in the meeting for statewide honors, and other trustees praised the presentation for its data focus and community engagement. No formal action was required; the update will continue to inform board discussions about program investments and recruitment for career-focused teachers.

The district plans additional follow-up with trustees on pathway details and the mechanics for scaling supports for teachers new to the career academy model.