Specialty academy criteria

1   For the purposes of the definition of "specialty academy" in section 82.1 of the School Act, the criteria set out in sections 2, 3 and 4 are prescribed criteria for a specialty academy.

Additional learning outcomes

2   The specialty academy must meet learning outcomes that

(a) are in addition to the learning outcomes that a standard educational program must meet, and

(b) reflect an emphasis on a particular sport, activity or subject area.

Minimum hours of instruction

3   (1) In this section, "credit" has the same meaning as in Ministerial Order 302/2004, the Graduation Program Order.

(2) In respect of the particular sport, activity or subject area being emphasized in the specialty academy

(a) a one-year specialty academy must include

(i) a minimum of 240 hours of instruction, or

(ii) sufficient hours of instruction to enable a student to earn 8 credits

in the school year, and

(b) a multi-year specialty academy must include

(i) a minimum of 120 hours of instruction, or

(ii) sufficient hours of instruction to enable a student to earn 4 credits

in each school year.

Emphasis on particular subject area

4   If the specialty academy emphasizes a particular subject area, the subject area must be

(1) Applied Skills,

(2) Fine Arts,

(3) Language Arts,

(4) Mathematics,

(5) Physical Education,

(6) Science, or

(7) Social Studies.