Frequently Asked Questions
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Southern Ohio Career Academy (SOCA) is a tuition-free public charter high school in Chillicothe, Ohio, serving students in grades 9–12. SOCA combines rigorous academics with career and technical education (CTE), workforce preparation, and multiple pathways to graduation to help students prepare for college, skilled trades, military service, technical training, or employment after high school.
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Southern Ohio Career Academy is located at 30 East Main Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601.
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Southern Ohio Career Academy provides a flexible, personalized high school experience focused on career readiness and preparing students for life after graduation. SOCA serves students with different educational needs, including students who may have fallen behind on credits or need a nontraditional pathway toward earning their high school diploma.
Students benefit from smaller class settings, credit recovery, workplace readiness, hands-on learning, career and technical education (CTE), industry-recognized credentials, community partnerships, and individualized academic support. SOCA also operates on a four-day school week, with Fridays often used for tutoring, interventions, mentoring, student support services, and opportunities for students to catch up academically.
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SOCA helps students explore their interests and prepare for life after high school through career advising, CTE programs, work-based learning, industry credential coursework, workplace readiness activities, and community partnerships. Career advising connects students' academics with potential career fields, and students meet with staff to discuss academic and career pathway opportunities.
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Southern Ohio Career Academy gives students opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials and workforce certifications while developing practical career skills. Opportunities identified by the school include STNA/CNA healthcare training, RISE Up credentials through the National Retail Federation, Lead4Change Leadership Certification, OSHA-based workforce readiness experiences, and OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal opportunities.
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Southern Ohio Career Academy provides individualized support designed to help students stay on track for graduation, overcome barriers, and prepare for future success. Support can include academic intervention, attendance support, mentoring, mental and behavioral health resources, one-on-one teacher assistance, flexible pathways toward graduation, and individualized Student Success Plans.
SOCA's career advising program also addresses students' academic, career, and social-emotional development and provides additional interventions for students identified as at risk of dropping out.
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Southern Ohio Career Academy provides students with nutritious meals and food support throughout the school year. SOCA provides free breakfast and lunch opportunities for students. Families can view current breakfast and lunch menus on the school's Food Service page.
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Families interested in learning more about Southern Ohio Career Academy can contact the school with questions about academics, CTE programs, career pathways, student support, or enrollment. SOCA is located at 30 East Main Street in Chillicothe and can be reached at 740-672-2155. The school is available by phone or email from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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Families interested in enrolling at Southern Ohio Career Academy can begin the online enrollment process through FinalForms, the school's enrollment platform. Families who do not already have a FinalForms account will need to create one and complete the enrollment application.