At the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, NHS introduced the First-Year Academy after multiple years in development, aiming to improve academic performance, increase engagement, and provide support to freshman students.
“I have gotten to see firsthand how students who might be struggling have gotten help and support sooner because of the built-in support that we have created,” stated Julia Bonnist, a Freshman English teacher and member of first-year academy staff.
First-Year Academy, also known as Freshman Academy throughout the school, is an organized program in which all incoming Freshman students are split into three teams based on certain group needs. The students are placed into their four core classes, Math, English, History, and Science, at their specific levels, with people only from their grade, along with being provided with a designated student support staff and assistant principal.
(Lillian Connolly)
“The academy helped me be with people of my level…so it’s easier to stay with my class because I didn’t feel like I was going ahead or falling behind,” added Freshman Courtney Shea.
Having consistent people in classes helps boost collaboration and comfort in the classroom.
First-Year Academy has also positively impacted the ease of getting help from teachers. The support that accompanies the program has put students on a better path towards success in their first year of high school.
A survey taken by NHS staff reported that 58 out of the 75 responses displayed that teachers do not think that students have the necessary study skills in order to be successful. The academy is aiming to support students and diverge from those responses.
Freshman Anna MacDougall states how the academy has personally helped her with her academics.
“It’s given me more opportunities to get extra help and see my teachers more often.”
Aside from the student perspective on the program, the academy has also helped organizations on the teachers’ part. Twice a week, teachers from the same teams meet to discuss their assigned work and any obstacles that may need to be addressed in order to adjust and support their students.
(Lillian Connolly)
“It’s kind of nice knowing you’re on this team. We’re all working towards the same goal,” said Freshman History teacher Rebecca Newman.
Overall, according to many involved, the First-Year Academy has led to improvements in the academic experience and success for incoming Norwood High students, making them stay motivated and look forward to the rest of their high school years.
