Aug. 7, 2017

Culinary Arts will be one of the courses of study offered at North Wake College and Career Academy

North Wake College and Career Academy opens Thursday, providing another opportunity for Wake County students to earn both college credit and real-world work experience while in high school.

North Wake will offer Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Medical Science, Hospitality Management and Information Technology.

In 9th and 10th grade, students will complete much of their high school degree studying with WCPSS teachers.

In their junior and senior years, they will take college-level courses from Wake Technical Community College instructors. They’ll have the opportunity to earn college credit and certifications through Wake Tech. Many students complete an intensive internship, applying their classroom knowledge and skills in a work environment.

'We have that'
Dr. Elizabeth Battle is principal of North Wake College and Career Academy

The school, located off Cloverleaf Drive in Wake Forest, is similar to Vernon Malone College and Career Academy, which has set hundreds of students on a path to success since opening in 2014. Both are application schools that offer early college instruction n partnership with Wake Technical Community College.

Dr. Elizabeth Battle, principal of the new school, says the big differences between the two schools will be the campus locations and the programs.

“It’s the program areas that draw students to these schools,” Battle says. “If they truly want to be an Emergency Medical Technician, we have that.”

“The North Wake College and Career Academy program will provide students opportunities,” Battle says. “They will have a rigorous high school program. They will earn college credit. They will earn certification. Our school will provide the opportunity for a job as soon as you are finished with school.”

Battle managed a restaurant for five years before going into education. She’s excited about the culinary arts program.

“I envision dinners, inviting community members who the students will cook for, showing what they know,” Battle said. “It will give us a chance to develop a sense of community and make our school a place where people can come and share a meal.”

‘Relevant and engaging’

The Culinary Arts program prepares students to assume positions as culinary professionals in a variety of food service settings, including full-service restaurants, hotels, resorts, clubs, catering operations, contract food services, and health facilities.

Culinary Arts kitchen awaits the arrival of its first students.

The Early Childhood Education program prepares students to work with children from birth through age 8 in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.

The Emergency Medical Science program provides high-quality, hands-on instruction in emergency medical care to prepare Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics to meet regional demand. Students learn through intensive, scenario-based instruction and the use of state-of-the-art simulation equipment.

The Hospitality Management program prepares students for professional positions in hotels, resorts, inns, restaurants, clubs and other institutions. The curriculum allows students to build and apply the administrative and practical skills essential for success in the hospitality industry.

The Information Technology program prepares students for employment with organizations that use computers to process, manage and communicate information. It provides hands-on experiences that allow students to implement, support and customize industry-standard computer information technology.

Students from across the county can apply to attend the new North Wake school. School bus transportation will be provided for students who live north of the I-440 beltline.

“North Wake College and Career Academy will use project-based learning to personalize instruction for every student, making instruction relevant and engaging,” Battle said.

The Early Childhood Education classroom