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WHO WE ARE

Career Academy is an innovative Big Picture Learning high school for scholars who want to learn through projects and internships. Scholars develop competencies through pursuing projects of their own design. They intern in the community twice a week. They present their learning in Exhibitions to their family, advisor, and mentor.

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"...at Truman, something shifted. Each day, a layer of my defenses was gently peeled away. It finally felt safe to share my goals and aspirations with them." Tafly Niemisa, Class of 2024

"My staff/teachers, and friends accept me for who I am and I couldn’t be any more appreciative for the bonds I’ve created, and for all the memories we all have made." Kayley Tabalbag, Class of 2023

WHAT WE OFFER

PROJECT BASED LEARNING

Scholars work on personal projects they are passionate about and earn competencies in a variety of academic areas.

INTEREST-DRIVEN LEARNING

Each scholar develops a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) with passion, interests, and competencies they will develop through project and coursework. The PLP drives scholar learning.

INTERNSHIPS

Scholars intern on Tuesdays and Thursdays at a business or organization in a career field they wish to explore. Scholars may change internships every 6-8 weeks.

SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITY

Scholars have one primary Advisor (teacher) who gets to know scholars and their family really well. Advisors ensure scholars are academically prepared for graduation and post secondary success.

"Truman has taught us important life skills that will continue to help us grow and succeed in life." Emily Asencio, Class of 2022

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Highly Capable Referral Window Now Open

The Federal Way Public Schools Highly Capable Program referral window is open through Nov. 27, 2024.

DiscoverU Week, October 7-11

During DiscoverU Week, FWPS scholars in grades PK-12 will participate in a week of college and career exploration activities.

Disability History and Awareness Month

Disability History and Awareness Month takes place during October to increase awareness, respect, and acceptance for people with disabilities, and to bring a greater sense of pride to people with disabilities.

WA Department of Health Safety Study Hall

Visit the Washington Department of Health Safety Study Hall website, a place for schools, students, and families to learn about health and safety topics.

Learning Partnership Guide 2024-25

What will my child learn this year? What tools are available to support my child’s learning? This and more can be found in the Learning Partnership Guide available now in multiple languages!

National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month

September 15 marks the beginning of National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, a time when our district and schools acknowledge the contributions, achievements, histories, and vibrant cultures of individuals of Hispanic or Latinx descent from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America.

Adult staff member speaks with two students

School Open House Nights

School Open House Nights will be Sept. 17-19, 2024. Please be sure to attend these important events.

Dr. Pfeiffer Welcomes You to the 2024-25 School Year

Each year brings fresh opportunities to learn and grow. Watch or read this special back-to-school message from Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer as she shared what we can look forward to in the new school year.

WATCH: Why FWPS Scholars, Staff, and Families Are Excited About This School Year

The 2024-25 school year is here! Watch this video to learn why scholars, staff, and families are excited about the new school year.

FWPS Leadership team cheering and welcoming new certificated staff to the breakfast event

FWPS Welcomes New Certificated Staff Members at the Fifth Annual Breakfast

On Monday, August 19, Federal Way Public Schools hosted its fifth annual New to FWPS Breakfast at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Events Center, warmly welcoming over 140 new certificated staff members to the district.

Blog thumbnail featuring a middle school boy on a laptop.

Building Better Habits for Success: Your Guide to Positive Changes

Learn about our short list of the most powerful habits students can form and ways to get started, backed by FWPS subject experts.

Back to School Resource Hub

FWPS returns to school on Tuesday, September 3. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024-25 school year.

Get Ahead With This School Year Checklist

Make preparing for the school year a manageable process to experience a smooth and informed transition for your family, and of course, your FWPS scholar.

Career Academy and Internet Academy 2024 Graduation

Congratulations to our class of 2024 graduates! Rewatch the ceremony and view the photo gallery.

TJHS seniors announce their post-secondary pathway with a banner at Senior Signing Day

FWPSProud: FWPS Scholars End the School Year, Ready for Successful Transitions

Schools across the district celebrated major milestone transitions with various celebrations and ceremonies to honor scholars and their next steps as they continue pursuing their bright futures!

Get Started on These Health Related Tasks For Your Child

Everyone is excited about summer break, but before you put next school year’s tasks on the back burner, we’d like to remind you about a few health-related items to plan for now.

Congratulations, FWPS retirees!

Congratulations, FWPS retirees! We want to take a moment to acknowledge our classified and certified employees who retire at the end of this school year.

LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2024

In June, we celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, dedicating this time to affirming the identities that create our strong and diverse district. During this month, we focus on the importance of creating space for our scholars, staff, and community to show up as their authentic selves. Scholars feel most empowered to do their best learning when they are comfortable being themselves.