Academies & Programs of interest
ACADEMY APPLICATIONS FOR 2025-26
Applications for Academy/Programs of Interest at Pedro Menendez High School will open from January 6th until January 24th at 5:00pm. If your student is going to be in 9th or 10th grade for the 2025-26 school year, and lives in St. Johns County, they are eligible to apply to Career Academies/Programs of Interest. If accepted through the lottery process in February 2025, the student will start that program in the 2025-26 school year. If you have questions, reach out to our Academy Career Specialist, Kristina Bransford: [email protected]
High School Showcase: December 11th 3:30 – 7:00pm at World Golf Village Convention Center
Come out to see every St. Johns County High School Career Academies and/or Programs of Interest in one room. Have a chance to speak with teachers, academy students and staff to have all your questions answered and compare programs so you make the right choice for high school!
Menendez Academy Night January 7th 6:00 – 7:30pm
Join us on campus for an in-depth look at our programs, classrooms, and campus. General information will begin in our performing arts center at 6:00pm, then you will pick your break out sessions to learn more about how to make the most of your student’s high school experience. Learn how to select classes of interest so your next four years will be amazing!
Career Academies
Mission Statement: VyStar Academy of Business at Pedro Menendez High School will provide engaging and relevant curriculum in a supportive and nurturing environment. Through applied learning students develop confidence, long-lasting relationships, and a sense of community.
Business and Marketing: Business students participate in a rigorous curriculum that includes the option for dual enrollment courses through St. Johns River State College. Students complete real-world entrepreneurship experience. Many have the option to put these skills to work in our school store or work in our fully functioning VyStar credit union on campus in our business analysis course. Industry certification opportunities are Microsoft, Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB), Master ESB, and Project Management Ready. This academy is perfect to get you ready for a career in the business world or continue your business education!
VyStar business academy (code: PMHSVBFBF)participates in the Future Business Leaders of America, a curriculum-based club. These students experience guest speakers, field trips and can compete at the regional and state levels. FBLA membership can continue in many colleges and universities. For additional information contact: Kristina Bransford, 904-547-8681, or email: [email protected].
Mission Statement: The UF Health St. Johns Academy of Future Healthcare Professionals is committed to exposing students to a rigorous curriculum in the healthcare fields to prepare them for college and careers and provide hands-on, real-world experiences with business and community partners.
The UF Health St. Johns Academy of Future Healthcare Professional (code: PMHSFLHMC) offers students a unique opportunity combining classroom learning with real-world experiences. Juniors may participate in job shadowing and summer internships at local medical facilities. Seniors immerse themselves for two class periods at the hospital shadowing doctors, nurses, and staff to gain a real-world insight to daily clinical life. Students participate in the curriculum-based club HOSA which offers industry guest speakers, field trips, and competitions. Industry certification opportunities are: Basic Life Savings, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, Electrocardiograph Technician and Certified Patient Care Technician Assistant. This academy has students ready for immediate employment in a medical facility or college ready for a major in many medical areas.
For additional information contact: Kristina Bransford, 904-547-8681, or email: [email protected]. UFU
Mission Statement: The Academy of Architectural Design and Technology at Pedro Menendez High School will provide engaging and relevant curriculum in a supportive environment. Through applied learning students will develop confidence, acquire real world skills, and become productive members of society.
Architectural Design and Technology:
Architectural Design and Technology is a 4-year program covering six levels in the areas of architectural, engineering and technical drafting design (code:PMHSABSD). Our hands-on project-based approach ensures that students not only learn but apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, creating an industry professional experience. Juniors have the opportunity for summer internships putting their skills to work in the real-world. Seniors can work part time with local drafting and engineering firms for part of their school day. Students earn current industry certifications in AutoCAD, Revit and Inventor programs. Advanced students may continue to earn industry Professional certification status. Students leave our academy with advanced architectural skills for a seamless transition into either college classes or the workforce.
Students take part in the curriculum-based organizations of SkillsUSA and ACE Mentor Program of Northeast Florida. SkillsUSA students develop technical skills while instilling life-shaping leadership skills. This organization is continued at many post-secondary educational institutions and highly sought after by professionals upon hiring.
ACE Mentor Program of Northeast Florida helps students explore potential career opportunities in the areas of architecture, construction, and engineering. Students meet with local mentors working on solutions for real-world projects, offering an effective way to experience the reality of what architects, contractors and engineers do during a typical working day.
For additional information contact: Kristina Bransford, 904-547-8681, or email: [email protected]
Programs of Interest
International Baccalaureate Program (IB)
Pedro Menendez High School is one of three high schools in the St. Johns County School District that have international acceleration programs. Students zoned for Allen D. Nease, Pedro Menendez or St. Augustine High Schools are not eligible to apply for the international acceleration programs at schools other than their zoned school. In addition to applying to these programs through the Program of Choice application process, students will have to be deemed academically eligible to be accepted into these programs. A Teacher Recommendation Form must be submitted by all four core academic teachers.
Early College Program
Early College Program is available to all eligible students on a “space available” basis. There are specific application and eligibility requirements for this program, which is provided in partnership with St. Johns River State College. The program is available in two locations, however accepted students who are zoned for another high school are responsible for transportation. Please read the requirements and visit both the PMHS School Counseling Department website and the St. Johns River State College website for additional information.