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Government & Legal Studies (Early College)

Academy for Government & Legal Studies (Early College)

Fundamental Requirements: Academy for Government and Legal Studies 

The Academy for Government and Legal Studies is a new early college program that enables students to study government, criminal justice, and the legal system while pursuing an opportunity to earn an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice/Justice Studies. Students master comprehensive governance concepts with focused study in leadership principles, ethics, public policy, public administration, and international relations, building the foundation needed to pursue the Legal Assistant (Paralegal) certification exam by the end of high school.

Learning Experience

Students engage in dual-enrollment coursework through a partner college or university each year, which may lead to earning college credits while completing college-level classes taught by approved adjunct faculty. In 9th and 10th grade, instructors are also high school-certified teachers, ensuring a supported transition into college-level academics. The program emphasizes authentic civic engagement through discussions, debates, and collaborative projects that mirror professional public service and legal practice.

Skills and Prerequisites for Success

Prospective students must be mature, focused, and prepared for rigorous college-level coursework from the start of the program. The program requires individuals with strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, capable of processing complex political, legal, and policy information, and who can collaborate effectively in team settings while maintaining respect for differing viewpoints.

Important Considerations

  • Early College Commitment: Students take dual enrollment classes each year, working toward the opportunity to earn up to 62 college credits or an A.S. in Criminal Justice by high school graduation. These outcomes depend on, but not limited to, the successful completion of all required coursework.
  • Certification Pathway: Sufficient credits may qualify students to sit for the Legal Assistant (Paralegal) certification exam.
  • College-Level Rigor: Courses taught by approved college adjunct faculty require sustained maturity and academic focus.
  • District Support: The school district schedules courses and provides tuition and course resources for all enrolled students.
  • Public Speaking Confidence: Comfort with participating in discussions, debates, and presentations before peers and instructors.
  • Collaboration Skills: Ability to work effectively in team environments while respecting diverse perspectives.
  • Respectful Dialogue: Maintaining professional discourse when encountering differing political and legal viewpoints.
  • Academic Rigor: Preparedness for challenging coursework in political science, criminal justice, public policy, and international relations.

This program is ideal for students who are passionate about government, law, and civic engagement, prepared for the demands of early college coursework, and committed to working toward both a college degree opportunity and professional certification while still in high school.

Career Field - Government & Legal Studies

Career Pathways in Government & Legal Studies (include but are not limited to):

  • Attorney / Lawyer
  • Paralegal / Legal Assistant
  • Court Clerk
  • Legal Investigator
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Criminal Investigator / Detective
  • Probation Officer
  • Correctional Officer
  • Court Officer / Judicial Security
  • Victim Advocate
  • Government/Public Administration Specialist
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Compliance Officer
  • Community Relations Specialist
  • Forensic Science Technician
  • Emergency Management Specialist
  • Public Safety Coordinator

Academy Course of Study (subject to changes)

9th Grade

Career & Technical Education and College Courses

  • Criminal Justice System (CJS 121)
  • Intro to Public Safety Career (CJS 105)

Other High School Requirements

  • English I
  • Math
  • Biology
  •  World History
  •  PE/Health
  • Spanish I or II (Meet World Language Requirement)
  • Personal Finance
  •  VPA Elective

10th Grade

Career & Technical Education and College Courses

  • Constitutional Law (POL 222)
  • Fundamentals of Law (CJS 118)
  • Principles of Sociology (SOC 120) or AP Sociology/AP Psychology
  • History of Minorities (HIS 203) or AP African American Studies
  • American Government (POL 111) or AP American Government

Other High School Requirements

  • English II
  • Math
  • Chemistry
  • US History I
  • PE/Drivers Ed
  •  VPA Elective

11th Grade

Career & Technical Education and College Courses

  • Criminal Law & Procedure (CJS 221)
  • Business Law (BUS 213)
  • Cultural Diversity in America (SOC 214)
  • Speech Fundamentals (COM 109)
  • Computer Concepts w. App (CMP 135)
  • US History II (HIS 167)
  • Forensic Science (CHM 105)

12th Grade

Career & Technical Education and College Courses

  • English Composition I (ENG 111)
  • English Composition II (ENG 112) 
  • Litigation Procedures (CJS 220)
  • Ethics in the Law (CJS 230) 
  • Internship (CJS 228)
  • Math Elective (MAT)

Other High School Requirements

  • English III
  • Math
  • PE/Health (Option to take at College)
  • HES (High School Graduation Requirement)
  • Lifetime Wellness (HED 128)  (High School Graduation Requirement)
  • All Seniors must complete 120 hours of an approved internship in their respective career field.