Deborah Smith,  Principal, First Coast High School

Tim Simmons, Assistant Principal in charge of Career Academy

Andy Dillhyon, Career Academy Lead Resource Teacher

 (904)757-0080 ext. 143

The mission statement of the International Trade and Logistics Career and Professional Academy at First Coast High School is to create:

• a workforce and postsecondary program that prepares First Coast High School students for the 21^st century;
• a community of learners that fosters inquiry based problem-solving skills for all students;
• real life experiences in the classroom and in the workplace.

First Coast High School prepares students for challenging careers in all aspects of International Trade and Logistics in response to the present and eminent future expansion of Jacksonville as a regional logistical center.  

In partnership with strong industry leaders, such as JAXPORT, First Coast’s career and academic team collaborates with industry professionals to create rigorous and relevant curriculum that explores potential industry employment at all levels.

Composed of all stakeholders, the Community Advisory Board collaborates in designing curriculum that meets increasingly challenging and competitive workplace and postsecondary demands.

Real life connections are assured by exposing students to a variety of field experiences that enhance classroom instruction through guest speakers, field studies, job shadowing, mentoring and internships.

The courses offered include a core computer course, Business and Entrepreneurship, Legal Aspects of Business, and courses in Supervision and Management. Completion of the planned, sequenced courses leads to workforce readiness as well as academic opportunities at both community and four-year colleges.

The First Coast Career and Professional Academy of International Trade and Logistics’ team of dedicated education professionals are assisted by a designated Assistant Principal and a School Counselor. All academy students are counseled and encouraged to qualify for Bright Futures, Medallion, or Gold Seal Diploma scholarships while earning dual credit and/or industry certification.

Why choose to be part of an Academy?

• As part of an Academy program, students may participate in professional-based learning activities such as internships, mentoring, or cooperative learning programs focused on career interest. Students receive preparation that gives them a jump start towards their college education.

• How do your groceries make it from the fields to the shelves? How does a Rock Group get equipment set up in 12 cities in one month?  How did your MP3 player get from Japan to your local superstore? They are all tracked, relocated, and set up by people in fields of international trade and logistics.

• The International Trade and Logistics Career and Professional Academy prepares students to work in areas of international business, supervision and management, marketing, accounting, office management, and all careers that deal with movement and management of both goods and personnel.

Downloadable Documents:

Application for First Coast Academies (.pdf)

Parent Release Form for Publicity (.pdf)

Summer Internship Application (.pdf)

Informational Links:

Florida Department of Education Workforce Education

Duval County Public School Choice -- Public School Choices for All Students

Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT)

Career Expo:

Click Here To Register For The Career Expo