An Introduction to Academies

In an effort to insure that all students have an opportunity to get to know their teachers (and to be known by them), our school is organized into smaller learning communities, sometimes called schools-within-a-school or academies. 

Freshman will be part of the Freshman Academy which will provide them with a series of academic and social experiences that are intended to introduce them to Nashua High School North (NHSN) and to welcome them to our school.  Transitions to high schools can be challenging but our school's teaching teams will try to insure that all students who come to NHSN become successful.  All freshman are enrolled in a "freshman seminar" class that will, we believe, make these difficult transitions easier and help our students become more successful.

Sophomores will become part of the "Exploratory Academy." The teaching teams in this program will focus on providing sophomores with academic and extracurricular activities that will help them learn more about themselves and acquire information that will be helpful to them as they move forward academically and personally.  Sophomores will work closely with the career center and guidance departments to make certain they have a clear understanding of career  expectations that exist in areas that interest them and that they know about the college admissions requirements that support those areas.

Juniors and seniors will select one of four career academies.  Each academy will include students who are taking Advanced Placement courses, students who are interested in attending 2- and 4-year colleges, community colleges and students who may be going directly to the world of work.  The academy selections are designed to expose students to a theme that will anchor their education.  Students will be encouraged to take courses outside these areas.  Graduation requirements are the same in each academy.  Many students will be part of an internship experienced centered on their academy theme. 

Academies or smaller learning communities have demonstrated that they are one very successful way to create important relationships between students and teachers and can provide relevance to students as they move forward in their high school career and prepare for a collegiate experience.

NHS NORTH ACADEMY STRUCTURE 2008 - 2009 

COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2006-2007

Guidance

·       Freshmen Academy

Denise Oujaimi, A - K

Renee Gauthier, L - Z

           Exploratory and Career Academies

Teresa Pollard, A - Coo

Tina Hamilton, Cop - Hart

Scott Johnson, Hatch - Mays

Simin Pouya, Mc - Rod

Sandra Bent, Roe - Z