[6] Beginning in late August 2006, the school opted for students to continue their education following courses modeled through 'Academies'.

Under the plan, students choose a path from seven academies, each modeled after varying areas of academics, with the exception of its NTHS program which focuses on project-based learning.

[8][12] Print Journalism is one of the largest majors in the Arts and Humanities Academy of Akins with over 200 students enrolled in the intro classes of Journalism 1 and Photojournalism (now known as Graphic Design and Illustration and Advance Graphic Design and Illustration), as well as the publications classes that produce the student newspaper and the yearbook.

In 2010-2011 the Eagle's Eye staff brought home six national awards from Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

Publications students have also received awards from state and national organizations for their 2007 literature magazine, WORD, featuring stories, poems, as well as photography prints and artwork of all mediums.