Photos: Germantown’ High Schools health care academy

GLUCKSTADT – The Academy of Healthcare Excellence at Germantown High School, led by Assistant Principal Brent Brownlee, has grown from 10 students in 2013 to over 300 today.

The “school within a school” program recruits eighth graders and offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum along with career and technical education focused on health care. Students begin with foundational courses before specializing in areas like sports medicine or clinical services. 

The program features hands-on learning through leadership activities with Health Occupations Students of America, field trips, workplace learning, job shadowing, mentorships and community service.

The Academy earned the MODEL Academy status from the National Career Academy Coalition in 2018. This recognition, valid for four years, places it among the top career academies in the country.

“Our goal is to provide students with progressively higher levels of competence leading towards high-skill, high-wage careers,” Brownlee said. “This program integrates a thematic approach in medical health science with core classes, ensuring students see the relevance of their education to real-world health careers.”

Junior Savannah Brock appreciates the practical experiences offered by the academy. 

“The practical experiences and field trips have deepened my understanding of health care and made me more excited about my future career,” Brock, who has developed an interest in neuropsychology, said. 

Brownlee emphasizes the importance of real-world application in preparing students for their future careers. 

“We want them to be able to articulate what the Academy has done for them because we want them to be marketable and competitive,” he added. “Getting them four years under their belt taught by registered nurses and athletic trainers gives them that leg up versus other students who may not have similar programs in their schools.”