Superintendent: Freshman Academy Decreasing Student Failures

A new freshman initiative has led to a decrease in the amount of total student failures and student infractions in the Class of 2015, according to Superintendent David Healy.

The was instituted at the beginning of this academic year and is described on the district website as a, "school-within-a-school organized around interdisciplinary teams of English, math, science, and social studies." In August, incoming freshman attended an orientation and were split into four houses in order to provide a smaller network of supportive faculty and students, Healy explained. The program lasts throughout the entire freshman year.

There are several goals of Freshman Academy, including increasing academic achievement, increasing attendance, attitude and behavior and lowering student drop out rates.

According to the preliminary mid-year report, in comparison to the first half of the Class of 2014's freshman year, there have been 26 fewer (84% fewer) major student infractions and 86 fewer (28% fewer) total student failures.

"This data is very promising, and it is a reflection of the dedication and commitment of our administration, faculty and staff," Healy said.

A similar program was implemented this year with the Class of 2014, Healy said. When comparing their freshman year statistics to their sophomore year statistics, decreases in both areas were also seen, according to Healy.

There were 20 fewer (65% fewer) infractions and 85 fewer (65% fewer) total student failures, according to the mid-year report.

"We're proud of our students and how receptive and cooperative they have been," Healy said. "[Freshman Academy] in its infancy and I look forward to the future."