Inside Our Schools

NAF Academies operate in primarily urban public school districts throughout the United States. Academies can be: small learning communities within public high schools, or stand-alone public high schools.

Students interview and apply to get into an Academy, and earn entry based on demonstrated interest, capability, focus, and ambition to succeed. Though Academy students may complete their coursework at a public high school, their Academy focus roots them within a core group of about 30-60 fellow Academy students. Academy students share the same rigorous schedule, combining regular academic requirements with NAF curriculum and electives. All receive guidance from their Academy instructors and are united by their shared aspirations and motivation to achieve.

NAF Academies target urban centers but thrive in many suburban and rural areas where businesses exist alongside schools and offer active engagement. NAF serves more than 50,000 students in approximately 500 Academies in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Students choose from among the following Academy themes: Academy of Finance, Academy of Hospitality & Tourism, Academy of Information Technology, and Academy of Engineering.