The mission of the NIHS Freshman Academy is to establish positive learning environment that provides the steps for successful transition into high school while engaging students in a rigorous and challenging curriculum resulting in high student achievement.

Our Freshman Academy is a transition program based largely on the research-based, results-oriented smaller learning community (SLC) concept. An SLC is essentially a small, autonomous school-within-a-school. Research has revealed that SLC's create a greater sense of connectedness and belonging for students as well academic equity. In addition, studies have shown that SLC's such as our Freshman Academy produce improved academic achievement and decreased behavioral problems.

 

Goals of the Freshman Academy

1. Increase overall academic achievement
2. Improve ninth grade attendance
3. Reduce the number of dropouts
4. Increase the promotion rates of students from 9th to 10th grade
5. Decrease ninth grade discipline referrals
6. Increase parent involvement
7. Foster greater extracurricular and community involvement

 Parent Involvement

 

Parental involvement is a critical component of student success. It is our commitment to encourage parent participation and maintain communication within Freshman Academy parents.