Every student’s high school journey at Hillsboro begins in the Freshman Academy, a small learning community designed to provide time and space for easing the transition from middle school to high school. Highlights of the year include a visit to the Career Exploration Fair at the Music City Center, aptitude testing, and college tours. During spring semester of 9th grade, students work with the Freshman Academy counselor to select a college and career pathway for the remaining three years of high school.
Hillsboro students take a total of three pathway courses, one per year beginning in 10th grade, in addition to traditional and state-mandated subjects (math, science, English, etc.). Honors classes are offered in the core subject areas all four years, and students have the option of taking AP and individual IB classes.
Hillsboro offers eight (8) college and career pathways:
  Banking & Finance |   Audio/Visual Production |   Marketing Management |
  Interdisciplinary Science & Research (ISR) |   Therapeutic Services |   Sport & Human Performance |
  Advanced STEM Applications |   International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) |
Any pathway (except IBDP) can be combined with the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) for students who are motivated to challenge themselves by taking a more rigorous course load.
Hillsboro’s eight pathways are divided among three thematic Academies. Like the Freshman Academy, each thematic Academy is a small learning community with its own principal, counselor, activities, and traditions. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, the Academies provide access to industry expertise and real-world experiences such as field trips, job shadowing, and interning.
USCCU Academy of International Business & Communications
- Banking & Finance
- Audio/Visual Production
- Marketing Management
Academy of Global Health & Science
- Interdisciplinary Science & Research
- Therapeutic Services
- Sport & Human Performance
Advanced Technology, Liberal Arts & Sciences (ATLAS) Academy
- Advanced STEM Applications
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)