Worthington Schools presented a comprehensive overview of the diverse academic and career pathways available to high school students at the January 5, 2026 Board of Education meeting. The timing was intentional as the district is entering "scheduling season," when students begin selecting next year's classes and mapping their path through high school.
Director of Secondary Education Emilie Greenwald walked the board through options ranging from International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses to hands-on pre-apprenticeships in manufacturing, automotive, electrical, and construction trades. The presentation emphasized a shift from "one-size-fits-all" to personalized pathways that align with each student's post-graduation goals.
Graduation Requirements and Academic Pathways
Greenwald reviewed Ohio's graduation framework, which requires students to earn 20 credits, demonstrate competency through state tests in Algebra 1 and English 2, and earn two graduation seals from a list of 12 state-defined and locally defined options.
Within the district's two traditional high schools (Worthington Kilbourne and Thomas Worthington), students can choose from structured pathways or build their own "cafeteria style" course selection. Defined pathways include the Entrepreneurial Business Academy (EBA) at Thomas Worthington, which culminates in a senior internship, and a four-year STEM/engineering pathway through Project Lead the Way at both high schools that also earns students a state technology seal.
Advanced Academic Options
For students seeking college-level rigor, the district offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Worthington Kilbourne, a two-year curriculum for juniors and seniors that results in an IB diploma and state seal. Individual IB courses like Psychology and Sport and Health Science are also popular among students not pursuing the full diploma.
The district currently offers 21 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and plans to add a 22nd next year: English 10 AP Seminar for sophomores. "We think it's going to be a nice gateway into AP for a lot of students," Greenwald said. "We think it's going to be pretty accessible and give kids that opportunity to start upper level coursework a little sooner and to challenge themselves if they are so inclined."
Through College Credit Plus (CCP), students can take college courses at no cost, either on university campuses or within Worthington high schools. Some courses are taught by Worthington teachers, while others are taught by Columbus State Community College professors in district buildings.
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Alternative Programs
Beyond traditional high schools, Worthington offers several alternative programs. According to the presentation, Worthington Academy is now in its 11th year and provides a half-day model combining online coursework with on-site teacher support. Linworth Alternative emphasizes experiential learning and features a semester-long senior "Walkabout" internship that began the day of the meeting.
Students also have access to the Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) for specialized career training, expanding options without requiring Worthington to staff every specialty in-house.
Expanding Work-Based Learning Opportunities
The district has significantly expanded pre-apprenticeship programs with support from the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio. "They've been huge," Greenwald said, noting the ESC's critical role in developing these partnerships.
To help students identify potential career paths early, the district implemented YouScience, a career aptitude assessment tool for freshmen and sophomores. According to Greenwald, the tool is funded through DACC "at no cost...to the Worthington School District." The district also provides hands-on career exploration through events including the Central Ohio Healthcare Summit and Build My Future construction trades event.
Current pre-apprenticeships include:
- Manufacturing program: A partnership with Worthington Steel/Worthington Enterprises serves seniors, with most graduates receiving full-time job offers with benefits
- Automotive program: Performance Columbus Drive Direct offers a year-long automotive repair and maintenance program, currently serving six students
- Electrical program: Independent Electrical Contractors serves 11 students this year, up from one student last year
- Construction program: Hamilton Parker offers a paid pre-apprenticeship in residential and commercial building, currently with one student
New Healthcare Pathway on the Horizon
Perhaps most exciting is a potential healthcare pre-apprenticeship for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. "We have been working with a healthcare company to bring a healthcare program to Worthington schools for our students," Greenwald stated. According to the presentation, the 75-hour program could be hosted within the district with transportation provided. "I am hopeful, hopeful, hopeful that we can get that rolling before the end of the school year," she added, noting it could also launch over the summer.
Improving Communication with Families
Board members discussed how to better communicate these options to families before students reach high school. Greenwald pointed to outreach through scheduling events, middle school visits to DACC, and a recent pre-apprenticeship information night for families.
Board member Sheena Costa Flowers suggested leveraging students themselves as messengers. "Something that I thought about as you were talking was potentially using student champions to support those efforts, so that we can have those students champion some of these programs and maybe enlist some of their friends to at least inquire or consider them," Costa Flowers said.Board President Amber Epling-Skinner noted that Linworth and Phoenix Middle School already successfully use student ambassadors.
Greenwald emphasized the importance of building awareness among staff as well as students. "We know that when our teachers are aware of career activities, they then help our kids become aware of career options."
With scheduling season underway, Worthington families can explore these diverse pathways through curriculum nights, counselor meetings, and the district's comprehensive course offerings designed to provide a personalized path for every student.