Academy Lead Graduation Prep Checklist

1. Schedule Graduation Readiness Meeting: Set up a virtual meeting with your portfolio manager to assess Academy Design Plan progress.

2. Confirm Core Team Availability: Ensure ADT core team availability and schedule the Graduation Meeting with your portfolio manager.

3. Finalize Strategic Actions: Upload electronic evidence of completed strategic actions into the online YOP Assessment.

4. Coordinate Review Team Meeting: Organize a meeting with the ADT to review evidence, prepare for the Graduation Meeting, and agree on the status of each strategic action.

5. Inform Portfolio Manager: Notify your portfolio manager that the evidence has been uploaded (upload evidence at least two weeks before the Graduation Meeting).

6. Finalize Graduation Meeting Details: Prepare the agenda and attendee list for the Graduation Meeting.

7. Attend Graduation Meeting: Finalize the Academy Design Plan and conclude YOP. The meeting will align stakeholders, identify strengths, address challenges, and prioritize standards for development for a smooth transition to the NAF network and a successful academy launch.

8. Register for NAF Next: Register for NAF Next at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, DC, from July 6-9, 2026.

Post-Graduation Considerations

• Prepare a press release to announce the opening of the academy.

• Plan an official academy launch event, such as a banner-hanging ceremony or ribbon-cutting.

• Host a new student orientation before school starts.