After a rough year of fights, failing grades, and attendance issues in 2022, Principal Pete Vargas decided it was time to try some different things.
As a result, the Freshman Academy was created. This school year marks the second year of school year since the launch. The academy’s main purpose is “helping freshmen transition into high school with positive improvements in attendance, grades, and behaviors,” according to Victoria Small, Freshman Academy Coordinator.
Data indicates positive changes since implementing the academy. There was a 9% drop in the number of students with any Fs. Freshmen attendance increased by 6%, and discipline referrals decreased by 13%.
The academy operates on shorter blocks called “hexters,” a term for six-week grading periods that allow students to turn in work. Alexis Johnson (9) says, “Hexters help freshmen students with grades by creating a less stressful atmosphere through a lighter workload.”
A new focus in the academy is to make sure 9th graders understand graduation requirements early so they know the steps they have to take to reach their future goals.
