At the start of their freshman year, incoming ninth graders are divided into two smaller academies. Staying with a consistent group of peers throughout the day rather fosters familiarity, community, and a strong sense of belonging as they adjust to a very different academic environment.

A dedicated team of core teachers works closely with each group, meeting regularly to monitor student attendance, behavior, and academic progress. Our tight-knit support system ensures that students receive the guidance they need during this critical first year.

We place a strong emphasis on helping students understand key aspects of high school life, such as how credits work, how their GPA is calculated and why it’s important, and what will be expected of them academically.

We also focus on positive behavior and personal growth, which are recognized through weekly and quarterly celebrations. The “Student of the Week” program highlights students who show strong character or notable improvement—not just academic excellence. Each quarter, our “Breakfast of Champions” event honors those who do the right thing, show perseverance, and demonstrate other positive characteristics. Students get together for food, games, and music to celebrate their achievements and build a welcoming, connected school culture.