ACCESS Your Future / Academies

The application window for the 2025-26 school year is now closed. 

Students will be notified of acceptance and placement in January 2025. 

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be available in November 2025. 

Regardless of the future career paths of our students, it is the vision of Papillion La Vista Community Schools (PLCS) to ensure that all students are adequately prepared for the transition into the next phase of life after graduation. At PLCS, students are offered a variety of personalized learning opportunities to gain exposure and experience for their future careers. The Authentic College & Career Experiences for Student Success (ACCESS) programs outlined in this book will help accomplish this vision. PLCS offers nine academies that are taught by PLCS teachers. Additional academy programs are also made available through Metropolitan Community College.

College Credit

PLCS offers a number of rigorous courses that count for college credit. Students who participate in dual enrollment or advanced placement (AP) courses are more prepared for the demands of college. Dual enrollment and advanced placement each offer college credit. Both options provide students the opportunity to experience college-level courses in high school.

Dual enrollment is a partnership between a college/university and the high school that provides students with the opportunity to take college-level courses while in high school. Students earn both high school and college credit and must enroll in a college/university to receive credit. Participating in dual enrollment starts your college grade point average (GPA). 

Advanced Placement (AP) is a national program that standardizes courses taught by high school teachers who are approved through the college board. To earn college credit, students must take the AP Exam. Each college/university determines what courses they will accept and the score required to be awarded college credit. AP courses do not start your college GPA. 

Both options provide students an opportunity to experience college courses in high school.

Introducing the Academy Program…

PLCS academies are real-life, hands-on learning experiences designed around specific career areas. Academies are located at the school or in a business setting and are designed to take learning and career exploration to a whole new level. Academies combine both classroom learning where students are taught by a PLCS teacher and hands-on learning where students work directly in their chosen career interest. The exciting part of PLCS academies is the opportunity for high school students to work directly with professionals in their chosen career area. Students who participate in an academy gain high school credit and, in many cases, college credit or industry certification.

ACCESS Programs Offered
Papillion La Vista Community Schools, in partnership with local businesses, offers several different academies, programs and internships.