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Joliet Township High School Academies increase student achievement by offering a small learning environment within a large school setting.

The academy structure begins the freshman year within the Freshman Academy.  All Freshman Academy students are housed in a common wing of the school and share a team of teachers who get to know the students on an individual basis.   These students have an eight period day and arrive 55 minutes before all other students.  The extra period allows students to gain an extra dose of literacy and math support or gives them the opportunity to take an extra elective.

During the freshman year, students begin the process of academy selection through interest inventories and an advisory period.  Students can choose to be in one of five academies that focus on specific programs of study with an emphasis on career preparation. 

Within each of the academies, teams of teachers work together to prepare lessons that relate to the academy’s focus.  At JTHS you will find an Algebra teacher working with a history teacher to prepare a lesson that focuses on a topic that is relevant to the student’s academy.    

The Special Services Department at Joliet West provides services to students identified with a disability that currently have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  The IEP's are updated yearly to meet the student's educational needs.  Every special education student is assigned a case manager that maintains regular communication with the teachers, student, and parent or guardian.  The case manager also attends all special education meetings held for the students. 
 
The Special Services Department has programs designed to meet the educational needs of the students with a wide range of disabilities.  The programs include:  resource level classes, co-taught classes, and instructional level classes.  Our related service personnel also have a role in implementing the IEP's for our students.  The related service personnel include:  IEP managers, Social Workers, Psychologists, a Speech Pathologist and a School Nurse.  Joliet West also utilizes the Positive Intervention Room (PIR) to assist students that are struggling with demonstrating school-appropriate behavior.  Joliet West Special Services is proud of the programs that have been developed to assist our students as they transition to post-secondary opportunities.
 
Students experiencing difficulties in school who have not been previously identified eligible for special services can be referred to the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Team by faculty, support staff, or parents or guardians through either the student’s counselor or the PPS office.