Academic Curriculum
The Alaska Military Youth Academy is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools as a Secondary Special Purpose School.
The academic program components are designed to meet the needs of students who have not been successful in a traditional secondary institution. Students are expected to set realistic goals that will result in earning a Department of Labor and Workforce Development High School Diploma, or when eligible, being awarded an Alaska Military Youth Academy High School Diploma.
The objective of the Challenge Program is to provide a variety of essential skills for obtaining and maintaining employment, developing an appreciation for community involvement, and decision-making for a safe and healthy lifestyle.
To accomplish this we combine proven military methods and teaching strategies into an intense, disciplined, and structured 17 1/2 month multi phase program. Phase I is 2 weeks of pre-challenge; Phase II is the 20 week residential challenge; followed by a 12-month post residential after-care program.
Training during the residential phase consists of eight core components, which are designed to assist the cadet in each critical phases of the program and achieve overall success. These core components are: pursuit of educational excellence; basic vocational skills training; life coping skills; responsible citizenship; health, nutrition and sex education; community involvement through volunteer service to others; leadership and followership; physical fitness; and team building skills development.
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development manages the High School equivalency program. The General Educational Development Test (GED) is one of the programs offered at the Academy for cadets to achieve their high school diploma. The exam consists of a battery of five tests: Language Arts Writing, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts Reading, and Math. An average score of 450 for all tests, with no individual test score below 410, is required for the award of a GED diploma.
If a cadet fails to complete or pass any test prior to graduation, he/she must first contact a member of the Academic staff to schedule a pre-test in the subject area. The new score must at least 50 points above the previous pre-test score before scheduling is completed. Testing for these students will normally take place on any Wednesday that the Academy is in session. Examinees must be seated in the testing room by 1:20 p.m. and present a picture identification card.
