Career Magnet Academy

Knox County Schools

2nd Place TSBA School of the Year Award Winner – 2014 Remodeling/Renovation Division

Knox County Career Magnet Academy (CMA) at the Strawberry Plains campus of Pellissippi State Community College is the first of its kind in Tennessee. The educational model for this district-wide magnet high school was created through a collaborative partnership among three parties: Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Pellissippi State Community College, and Knox County Schools.

Called “pioneers” by some, freshman students of CMA will be exposed to four cluster options:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Sustainable Living
• Homeland Security
• Teacher Preparation

After their freshman year, students will declare a “Cluster Major” and explore two specific pathways within that cluster during their sophomore year. A student’s Junior and Senior years will focus on a specific pathway within the Cluster Major. This innovative approach to high school education is the first in the state to take advantage of a partnership with industry and higher education. The educational objective of these four clusters is to provide “Relevant Education tied to Real World Experience”.

The Knoxville business community was engaged in the development of the programs and the curriculum to ensure that the skills being taught will be transferable to the workplace. Industry and community partners will make it possible for students to participate in: job shadowing, field experiences, and internships.