Vaylen Gordon plans to attend one of the United States service academies, either the United States Air Force Academy or the United States Naval Academy.
An eighth-grade student at Wayside Middle School, Gordon knows it’s not too early to start planning his academic path in high school to best position himself for acceptance into either of those selective academies.
“It's important to start planning now to make sure I'm best prepared for the requirements when it's time to apply,” he said.
Gordon and his dad were just two of the people who filled the Large Lecture Hall at Boswell High School for A Night of Advanced Academics.
At the event for students in eighth through 11th grades, they learned about Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Credit, On Ramps and AVID courses offered at Boswell. 
“It’s important to understand the differences between the programs and for parents to speak with their child about their interests and goals, and then choose what is the right option for their child,” Nika Davis, the Boswell principal said.
After an overview in the lecture hall, students and parents headed to small groups led by advanced academic teachers that focused on the different programs and courses.
“Boswell offers a lot of diversity in advanced academic options,” said Ymaree Marshall, a 10th-grader who attended with her dad. “I want to get a nursing degree and then my MD, so it’s important that I’m taking the right courses, so I can be ahead when I go to college.”
All EMS ISD high schools offer a wide range of advanced academic courses as the district puts a focus on offering personalized opportunities for all students. It’s also important that students and parents understand both the requirements and benefits of taking these advanced courses.
“The more challenge and rigor you can give yourself in high school the better,” said Gina Gow, an AVID teacher. “Through these courses you learn time management, and that is very important to prepare yourself for success.”
And success is exactly why students like Gordon are at the event, planning now for success in high school, and in life beyond.
All EMS ISD high schools offer a wide range of advanced academic options to meet the needs of each student. Interested students and parents should reach out to their campus advanced academic coordinator. There is more information available at www.emsisd.com/ccmr.
