Newest members join a transformative movement equipping students to thrive in college, career, and beyond
NAF is excited to welcome 24 new academies into our national network for the 2026-27 school year. In these newly launched academies, students will have the opportunity to take career-connected courses and engage in work-based learning experiences that prepare them for future success.
High schools participating in NAF’s Admissions process have completed either NAF’s rigorous Year of Planning (YOP) or Fast Track (FT) process during the 2025–26 school year, gaining access to a guided assessment process, technical assistance, professional development, a full suite of resources, and NAF-developed, industry-validated curriculum to support effective planning and implementation.
The process involves activities to assess and align high school programs and resources with the standards of practice of NAF’s design to successfully launch a NAF academy. NAF works to ensure all stakeholders develop lasting relationships with academies and are well-equipped and confident in implementing the NAF design during its Launch Year and beyond. Together, these efforts establish a sustainable foundation for a high-quality academy by creating a shared vision and mission that supports school and community goals while prioritizing student voice, confidence, and agency to help young people discover the possibilities in their futures.
New Academies Include:
A.H. Parker High School, Academy of Law, Leadership, and Public Service – Birmingham, AL (YOP)
Azusa High School, Academy of Automotive Technology – Azusa, CA (YOP)
Desert View High School, iSTEM Academy – Tucson, AZ (YOP)
DuVal High School, Academy of Finance – Lanham, MD (YOP)
East Gaston High School, Academy of Health and Human Services – Mount Holly, NC (FT)
Edison High School: Arts, Media, & Entertainment Academy – Fresno, CA (FT)
Forest High School, Academy of Engineering – Forest, MS (YOP)
Forestview High School, Academy of Information Technology — Gastonia, NC (YOP)
George Washington Carver High School, Academy of Law, Leadership, and Public Service — Birmingham, AL (YOP)
Hunter Huss High School, Academy of Health and Human Services — Gastonia, NC (YOP)
Jackson-Olin High School, Academy of Business, Finance, and Entrepreneurship — Birmingham, AL (YOP)
Jackson-Olin High School Academy of Law, Leadership, and Public Service — Birmingham, AL (YOP)
Jackson-Reed High School, Academy of Global Service and Diplomacy — Washington, DC (FT)
Jackson-Reed High School, Academy of Sports, Business, and Marketing — Washington, DC (FT)
Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College, Academy of Engineering — Miami Lakes, FL (FT)
Miami Norland Senior High School, Academy of Visual and Performing Arts – Miami Gardens, FL (FT)
Murrah High School, Academy of Engineering — Jackson, MS (YOP)
Northport High School, Media Arts Academy — Northport, NY (FT)
Scott County STEAM, Academy of Engineering — Forest, MS (YOP)
Sunnyside High School, Video Production Academy — Fresno, CA (FT)
Trinity Basin Preparatory, Titan Graphic Arts Design Academy — White Settlement, TX (FT)
Warwick Area Career & Technical Center, Business Academy – Marketing & Entrepreneurship — Warwick, RI (FT)
Wenonah High School Academy of Law, Leadership and Public Service – Birmingham, AL (YOP)
Western International High School, Academy of Marketing — Detroit, MI (FT)
“We are thrilled to welcome the newest members of the NAF network as they complete their Year of Planning and Fast Track experiences,” said Lisa Dughi, Chief Executive Officer of NAF. “At a time when preparing young people for an evolving economy has never been more important, these schools are making a powerful commitment to expanding opportunities for students. Together, we are helping the next generation build transferable skills, discover their potential, and connect education to meaningful careers. We are excited about the expanded opportunities these new academies will offer and all that these students will accomplish.”
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About NAF
NAF is a national leader in career-connected education that expands access to real-world learning opportunities for high school students.
NAF has grown from one NAF Academy of Finance in New York City to hundreds of academies across the country focusing on growing industries including finance, hospitality & tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences; and support programs of study that are aligned with the National Career Clusters Framework. NAF also expands access to opportunities for students beyond NAF academies through additional programming and products. Learn more at naf.org and follow us on social @NAFCareerAcads.