CFK Academy’s curriculum centers on a project-based learning (PBL) approach and focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and Career Technical Education (CTE) disciplines. Authentic, hands-on engagement in the learning process—the core of PBL—equips students with the knowledge, skills, character, and attitudes needed to succeed in a modern world.

CFK Academy offers a broad range of connections to local industries and access to local experts in scientific and technological fields. Students will participate in CTE programs available at the College, such as marine science, marine engineering, hospitality, engineering technology, entrepreneurship, culinary, construction, and welding.

CFK Academy’s educational curriculum focuses on college, career, and job readiness in an ever-changing global economy by promoting real-world application of skills, fostering technical aptitude, and creating networks to our local community. CFK Academy prepares students to further their postsecondary education, enter the workforce with the required skills and content knowledge, and master communication, critical thinking, and collaboration in all aspects of their lives.

Designed to ensure students meet the requirements for high school graduation and enrollment in a Florida college, university, or other desired postsecondary pathway, CFK Academy encourages students to follow a course of study that exceeds the minimum standard high school diploma requirements. Students may pursue a Scholar or Merit designation and/or earn transferable college credit with the intention of simultaneous completion of an associate degree.

Access to college-level academic and CTE courses sets CFK Academy apart from traditional high schools. CFK’s Dual Enrollment program allows high school students to complete courses that earn both high school and college credits, at no cost to the students or their families. CFK Academy students can take Dual Enrollment classes in tandem with their high school classes without having to commute to another location or go online. In pursuing this tract, students build efficiency and value into their higher education path. Motivated students will be able to graduate with their high school diploma as well as an associate degree, certificate, and/or industry certification.

Adolescence can be a turbulent time. Fostering a sense of community and personal well-being is core to the CFK Academy philosophy and culture that seeks to build champions of passion and respect.

With the foundation of collaborative goal setting and problem solving, students develop social, emotional, and leadership skills through interdisciplinary PBL activities. Students learn to recognize their own strengths and limitations and develop essential skills of self-awareness. The self-management skills they develop help them learn to delay gratification, manage stress, and experience motivation and agency to accomplish personal and collective goals. Students become socially aware as they work closely with peers and adults from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts. Their capacity to communicate clearly, listen actively, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek or offer help when needed develops with collaboration on long-term projects. Through this process, CFK Academy students learn responsible decision-making as they are challenged to consider ethical standards, safety concerns, and analyze the cost and benefits of their decisions and actions.

CFK Academy students have access to a variety of extracurricular activities through a partnership with Monroe County School District. CFK Academy students can participate in sports, bands, and other clubs at the high school of their choice.