Last month, all incoming freshmen gathered in the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Zachary High School for a meeting about scheduling their first semester of their high school careers. From academics to arts to athletics—the “Three A’s” that set the standard for a well-rounded education—Zachary students have access to incredible opportunities. 

At ZHS, it’s not just about having a bunch of electives—it’s about offering courses that matter. Every class is designed to spark curiosity and help students start shaping their future, whether that’s a college major or a career path. From day one, they’re encouraged to think ahead and choose courses that give them a real edge, no matter where they’re headed next.

The 64-page course catalog reads more like a college catalog than one for high school freshmen. Students are encouraged to choose their top three interests from 16 career clusters, and plan their high school experience based off of those interests. The career clusters include Agriculture, Marketing, Transportation, Construction, Health Science, and everything in between. From there, students are given an expansive menu of exciting, relevant courses offered by Zachary High School to cater to those interests. For example, someone interested in a career in Arts, Technology & Communications can choose from more than 30 electives, including photography, digital storytelling, video game design, or a wide range of musical and theatre electives. Along the way, they can also earn a certificate in the Adobe suite of products–an important step towards an entry-level job in the arts. 

Not only are students gaining real world experience, many of them also graduate credentialed and with a foot in the door at a relevant company. Just this week, ZHS student David Irvin won first place out of 66 competitors in the the ABC Pelican Chapter Overall Welding Championship. ZHS’s welding program, led by instructor Ricky Reine, has claimed the individual title for three years in a row, and the team championship for the last two. Countless students have graduated from ZHS as certified welders, setting them up to enter the workforce immediately after high school. 

If a student is interested in nutrition and food—perhaps considering a future career as a dietitian—they can take an elective that not only covers the fundamentals but also allows them to earn a ServSafe Certification. This gives them a competitive edge when applying for jobs in any food-related field.

Regardless of interest, a new bill passed in the Louisiana Legislature requires all students entering high school in the 2024–25 school year and beyond to complete a one-unit course in Financial Literacy. At Zachary High School, students have several options to fulfill this requirement:

1. Complete the Financial Literacy course online through Edgenuity during the summer; incoming freshmen can take the course online and enter high school with one credit hour.

2. Take the course as an elective during the upcoming school year

3. Enroll in the course at a later time during their high school career
   

This new requirement is designed to equip students with essential life skills to help them make informed financial decisions in the future. “This course will help set our students up for success by teaching them about the various types of bank accounts, the basic principles of money management, such as budgeting and spending, credit cards, and taxes,” says ZHS Principal Lindsey Spence. “It's a very practical course that will prepare our students for life after high school.” 

With an ever-expanding catalog of electives and dual-enrollment options, ZHS has reimagined the traditional high school schedule. Today’s Broncos have access to college-level rigor and real-world readiness, all from the comfort of their hometown classrooms–or their homes, through the new Virtual Learning Program. 

Dual Enrollment, Double the Value
Through partnerships with area colleges and universities, ZHS students can earn transferable college credits while completing their high school graduation requirements. That means students can enter college a step ahead—saving time and money. Whether it's English Composition, College Algebra, or Psychology, dual-enrollment courses allow motivated students to challenge themselves academically while easing the transition to postsecondary education. ZHS offers 14 Advanced Placement and 19 Dual Enrollment courses for college credit. These are open to all students. These courses enable students to earn above a 4.0 GPA, as well as open them up to academic scholarship opportunities.

How It’s Funded

Despite significantly lower per-pupil funding compared to many surrounding districts, Zachary Community School District consistently delivers superior programs and opportunities, illustrating exceptional fiscal responsibility and effective use of resources. 

 In fact, state financial data reveals that Zachary ranks among the lower third in per-pupil spending across Louisiana districts, yet ranks fifth statewide in the percentage of funds dedicated directly to student instruction. This strategic allocation highlights the district's commitment to prioritizing student learning and achievement. For example, Zachary High currently offers an impressive 47 extracurricular activities, Advanced Placement®, dual enrollment opportunities, career credential programs, comprehensive music and arts education across all grade levels, and robust athletic programming, including expanded opportunities at the elementary level. 

For what Zachary receives in state and federal funds, the district really stretches each dollar, creating the best opportunities for our students compared to neighboring districts that may receive more funding but not necessarily produce better opportunities.

Such prudent management and strategic resource allocation underscore the district and board's dedication to maximizing the return on investment in education, ensuring that every dollar spent significantly benefits students' academic success and personal growth.

Why It Matters
In a rapidly advancing world, exposure to college-level work and career pathways in high school gives students a critical edge. Zachary High School’s robust catalog is more than a list of classes—it’s a launchpad.

And in Zachary, that launch starts early.