Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year at Career Academies of Decatur!

We are thrilled to announce an exciting change: for the first time ever, we are offering a full-time option for students at Career Academies of Decatur. This new opportunity marks a significant milestone in Decatur City Schools in providing a non-traditional education that will prepare our students for successful futures.

As we start this journey together, we look forward to promoting innovation, growth and achievement in every student. Whether you're exploring new interests or honing in on your skills in a particular field, our faculty and staff are dedicated to support your academic and career goals.

Join us in embracing the possibilities of this new academic school year. Together, let's make it a year of discovery, achievement, and limitless potential.

Welcome to Career Academies of Decatur, where your future begins today!

Mark your calendars!

• CAD Exams- May 14th and 15th/ Exam make-ups May 16th. See below for a more detailed schedule.
• Senior Walk- May 16th
• Senior Picnic- May 16th
• Graduation Practice- May 19th @ 8:30 in the CAD Cafeteria

*** Seniors will receive graduation tickets for guests at practice***

• CAD Graduation - May 19th @ 1:30

112 2nd Ave NE

Decatur, AL 35601

Graduation Dress Code:

Gentlemen:

White collared shirt

Tie or bow tie

Black pants

Dark shoes and dark socks

Ladies:

Appropriate black dress

Black shoes (nothing strapless like flip flops and nothing too high)

Reminders:

• Are you registering for a Dual Enrollment class next year? Scroll to access DUAL ENROLLMENT info for the 2025-2026 school year. Please make sure to complete the college application on their website. If you have NOT taken the ACT then you will need to take the Placement test. Please refer to the Dual Enrollment info below. Once each step is completed, return the forms to Mrs. Wood.
• SCROLL FOR SUMMER CAMPS...

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As the school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to support your students as their school counselor. High school is such a pivotal time in a young person’s life, and it has been a true privilege to walk alongside your students as they navigated academic challenges, personal growth, and future planning.

This year has been full of meaningful conversations, goal-setting, and important milestones—from course planning and college applications to managing stress and building strong relationships. I’m so proud of the progress our students have made, and I’m grateful to have been a part of their journey.

To help us continue improving the services we provide, I invite you to take a few minutes to complete our end-of-year surveys. Your input is incredibly valuable as we look ahead to next year.

CAD Counselor Parent Survey

CAD Climate and Culture Parent Survey

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I look forward to another great year ahead!

Sarah Wood
High School Counselor
Career Academies of Decatur

Please see various summer camps in our community.

STAFF DIRECTORY

https://cad.dcs.edu/o/cad/staff

First Priority is looking for student leaders who want to be a part of the club here at CAD.

If interested, please email or see Ms. Howse. (misty.howse@dcs.k12.al.us)

Contact Ms. Maples angie.maples@dcs.k12.al.us

If you have any questions regarding your cap and gown order please email Ms. Maples. (angie.maples@dcs.k12.al.us)

FAFSA IS OPEN!

Key Messages for Students

• FAFSA is FREE to complete.
• FAFSA is for technical certificates and academic degrees.
• Students may be eligible for up to $7395/year in Pell.
• Many non-federal grants and scholarships require FAFSA completion.
• Be aware of scholarship and FAFSA priority deadlines at the colleges where you are applying.

Key Messages for Parents

• FAFSA is safe and secure using studentaid.gov.
• Only used to determine your student's eligibility for financial aid.
• Your student needs your help getting key information from you to complete the application.
• Even if you think your family does not qualify for aid, it's good to have on file in case of the unexpected.

Seniors can buy Personal Ads for the Yearbook

$100 full page

$75 half

$50 quarter page

Email Misty Howse for more information. (misty.howse@dcs.k12.al.us)

Please contact Mrs. Maples with questions regarding senior activities.

angie.maples@dcs.k12.al.us

Students requesting a transcript be sent to a college need to make the request through Parchment. The link is below. You will need to create an account to get started.

1229 Westmead St SW, Decatur, AL 35601

256-560-6821

https://cad.dcs.edu/