The Freshman Academy - Grade 9

The Freshman Academy has been created with the various needs and challenges which incoming freshmen encounter as they begin their high school experience. This comprehensive program will provide a nurturing environment where all students will have the opportunity to build a strong academic and social foundation that is necessary for future success in high school and beyond. Freshmen will further sharpen their skills and acquire base knowledge in core subject areas enabling them to branch out into personal areas of interest. Students will be on teams for their core courses, allowing teachers and students to develop a positive, strong, and supportive environment where student success is the focal point.

During their freshman year, students will typically take Humanities (Freshman English and World Studies), Math, Physical Science, World Language, Seminar, and two elective courses. These core courses will begin the construction of a solid academic foundation upon which all other courses will build. For their future success, it is essential that students acquire the knowledge and skills taught in these initial courses.

In addition, the Seminar Course, which all freshmen will participate in, is a key component to easing the transition into high school. During this course, students will be introduced to the wide variety of school services that are available to them, learn about the expectations of high school, take the Explore Test (career/interest inventory), and create/refine a flexible four-year plan. In addition, students will continue to build upon their Career Portfolio which enables them to determine areas of interest and possible career pathways as they advance to Upper Forum Academies.

Since the courses taken during the Freshman Academy provide the foundation for all high school course work, it is very important to review the entire Program of Study and to work closely with your guidance counselor, parents and teachers in the course selection process. Informed decisions will lead to success and keep the door open to a wider variety of choices in the future.

Best of luck at Nashua High School South.  Please do not hesitate for a moment to speak with an administrator, your guidance counselor or a teacher if you need any assistance while you are part of our school.