Steps for Starting a NAF Academy

As a NAF academy member, you’ll be part of a national movement to ensure that all high school students are college, career, and future ready.

Start a NAF Academy / Steps for Starting a NAF Academy

NAF promotes full district engagement in creating NAF academies to maximize successful and sustained academy development. The annual membership fee is $2,000 per academy, with multi-academy discount rates available. To learn more about NAF’s admissions process, contact Jennifer Geisler, Director of Emerging Academies.
Applications subject to approval.

Get Started and Apply:

Step 1

Choose an Admissions Program

We offer two admissions options: the Year of Planning program and Fast Track program. Explore the admissions options in our Academy Support Hub, then use the Interest Survey as a guide to assess readiness to start a NAF academy!

Step 2

Build an Academy Design Team

Form a multi-disciplinary team with a shared vision to establish a career academy that aligns with the district’s goals in partnership with NAF.

Academy Design Team Prep Guide

Step 3

Secure Funding and Community Support

Review budget considerations and grant opportunities
Engage business and community leaders and research local workforce development needs

Step 4

Ensure Mission and Vision Alignment

Review NAF academy standards

Explore membership benefits

Tour a NAF academy near you

View Membership Pricing

Step 5

Confirm Team Leadership & Apply!

Identify a dedicated team committed to establishing a NAF academy

Secure necessary resources

Then, start your application by completing our interest survey:

Start Your Application

Have questions? Our Emerging Academies team is happy to help!

Representing a company or organization? To partner with a NAF academy, please use our Partner With Us form.