This interim evaluation compares the initiation, design, and curriculum of two school-based "academy" programs in Oakland (California) high schools and examines their links to the school district and the business community. The academy model of schools-within-a-school originated in Philadelphia. The Health Academy at Oakland Technical High School prepares students for postsecondary study in the health professions. The Media Academy at John C. Fremont High School gives students experience and training in both print and electronic media. Students at the Health Academy have been identified as at risk of dropping out but are judged to have the potential to succeed. Students at the Media Academy are exclusively selected from feeder junior high schools. The curricula of the academies focus on different academic areas, but share an emphasis on postsecondary preparation. Business and community involvement is an important component of both programs, with links to local institutions of higher learning, public hospitals, newspapers, and television stations. However, support from the local school district has been unsystematic. Both academies would benefit from increased involvement by the school district and the business community, and the directors need more planning and development time to maintain the schedule of growth that they envision. A list of four references is appended. (FMW)