9th Grade Academy

ACADEMY FEATURES

• Incoming first time freshmen are assigned to a house of 80 - 100 students. (A house is an organizational arrangement that assigns students and teachers to teams in a set of rooms). Self-contained special education students will continue with the same level of support. Mainstreamed students, supported by special education instructors, will be assigned to a house with the same team expectations
• Each House consists of cross-curricular teams of English, math, science, and social studies teachers with one member serving as a team coordinator (Lead Teacher),
• Each House has a common planning period for staff to meet.
• Students remain with the teachers in their houses the entire year.
• Students may participate in required and elective classes outside their house, as well as other activities such as clubs and sports.
• Engaging and challenging curriculum with an integrated, interdisciplinary approach that uses academic content and skills to address real world projects and problems.
• Academically rigorous education that maintains high expectations for each student
• Careful monitoring of student performance and attendance
• Data -driven decision making
• Structured system of appropriate extra help
• Intensive math and literacy instruction delivered to students who are in need of extra help.
• Frequent contact between school and parents
• Literacy infusion into all content areas
• Ongoing recognition of accomplishments