The Academy of Design and Construction at Innovation Central (ADC) appeals to scholars with an interest in architecture, engineering, design and/or construction. The philosophy behind this high school program is that scholars need to first know how to build a perfect square before they can intelligently go outside of it. That is not just a technical lesson; it is an important life lesson.
ADC integrates the themes of design and construction throughout the curriculum and exposes scholars to real world landmark structures and sites. It enriches its academic program with the active involvement of leading architectural, engineering, and design firms from across West Michigan and local colleges and universities. Some of these community partners that will work with GRPS to infuse their experience into classes, lesson plans and fieldwork are:
Community Partnerships:
- Habitat for Humanity
- Grand Rapids Community College
- Rockford Construction
- Ferris State University’s Construction, Design and Management Program
- Christman Company
- Michigan State University’s School of Planning, Design, and Construction
- Progressive AE
- Triangle Associates
These community partners are also working with GRPS to create internships, scholarships, and summer job opportunities for scholars in grades 9-12, so that scholars from the Academy of Design and Construction will graduate with work experience to put on a resume or college application.
Scholars leave after four years not only prepared to succeed in college or learning beyond high school, but appreciating and understanding the buildings and environments that surround and shape them. Scholars will learn what goes into shaping facilities and communities, above ground and below. The continuum of skills learned at ADC will easily transfer to careers in design and construction and beyond.
Course Selection Guide
| Requirements | 9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade |
|---|
| Required Core Courses | - English 9
- US History
- Biology
- Algebra
| - English 10
- World History
- Geometry
- Chemistry/Physics
| - English 11 or AP English Language and Composition
- Government
- Algebra II
- Chemistry/Physics
- Anatomy
| - English 12 or AP English Literature and Composition
- Pre-Calculus or Statistics or Accounting (2 semesters)
- Financial Literacy, AP Calculus, or AP Statistics
|
| Required Electives—Applied Construction Track | - Intro to Design & Construction
- PE/Health
- ROTC
| - Spanish I
- Construction Graphics
- Construction & Engineering
- ROTC
| - Core Construction I
- Career/College Preparedness
- Spanish II/AP Spanish
- Creative Writing
| |
| Required Electives— Design Track | - Intro to Design & Construction
- PE/Health
- ROTC
| - Spanish I
- Construction Graphics
- Construction & Engineering I
- ROTC
| - Design I
- Career/College Preparedness
- Spanish II/AP Spanish
- Creative Writing
| |
Scheduling Recommendations and Information
- In 12th grade, all graduation requirements must be met before electives will be scheduled.
- Scholars are expected to take a full schedule—the equivalent of 6 courses each semester and take all of the requirements listed above.
- Arts credit may be met through applied arts.
- Some courses may be offered online with a teacher facilitator.
- Full year courses are taken in two consecutive semesters; some semester electives may be “linked” for scheduling purposes.
- Strongly recommended for college bound scholars: minimum 2 years of the same world language, although some colleges/universities prefer 3 to 4 years of the same world language; 4 years of science and social studies.
- Academic support classes are available, including special education and language supported classes.
- Advancing through the course sequence is dependent upon successful completion of the prerequisite course.