What is the Freshman Academy?
The Freshman Academy is a comprehensive, year-long transition program for all first-time 9th grade students. Each student is assigned to a team or family composed of four core academic teachers and a common group of students. These students take English, math, social studies and science classes from their family of teachers. These teams meet weekly to discuss student progress and plan strategies to support student success. If necessary, the entire team may conference with parents to discuss issues or concerns.
Why has MCS created these academies?
Most research supports the Freshman Academy as a transition program that truly helps students to have a more successful high school experience. Superintendent Kriner Cash sees the Academy as one way of supporting a more positive transition to high school, and he has named this transition program as one of his major initiatives.
How does the Freshman Academy support my child?
Prior to the start of school in August, each MCS high school will have a transition program for its ninth grade students. Using a carousel approach, this transition program will introduce the students to the following:
- School campus
- Curriculum offerings
- Extracurricula activities/organizations
- Graduation requirements
- Team building and collaboration
- The advisory program
Students will move in groups from one activity to another to help them visualize how supportive high school can be as they prepare to move to their post-secondary choices.
Once school begins, there will be weekly advisories where students will discuss important topics that affect their lives (i.e. organizational skills, study skills, college and career choices, test-taking strategies etc.). They will have assemblies, field experiences, and cultural activities within the Academy. In summary, the Academy is designed to provide a warm supportive climate where students are surrounded by a team where everyone knows their names.
How will my child register for their ninth grade classes?
Counselors from the high school will visit your child’s middle school to explain and discuss the four-year plan with students and their parents. The counselors will work with students and their parents to select the courses for the ninth grade year. Tennessee has adopted more rigorous academic standards known as the Tennessee Diploma Project, and the counselors will explain these standards since they will affect all students entering the ninth grade in 2009 and after.
If your child will be entering a school outside of their attendance zone, you should contact the school and take your selection of courses with you to ensure that your 2009-10 selection of classes is available at the new school.
Will upperclassmen share classes with freshmen?
All ninth grade students will take their core classes together. No upper level students should be assigned to these classes. Freshmen will be allowed to go outside the Freshman Academy to take their electives (e.g., Instrumental Music, Speech, Theatre, Visual Art, etc.) where upperclassmen may also be assigned.
Does my child have an opportunity to opt out of the Freshman Academy?
No, all first-time ninth grade students are automatically assigned to the Freshman Academy.
With the new Tennessee Diploma Project (TDP), how many credits does my child need to graduate from high school?
You will be happy to know that MCS already began some of the course additions several years ago. For example, MCS already requires 3 years of science that is outlined in the TDP. Please refer to the courses that all incoming ninth graders will be expected to complete "before they graduate":
| * English | 4 credits | |
| * Mathematics | 4 credits | |
| * Science | 3 credits | |
| * Soc. Studies | 3.5 credits | |
| . Personal Finance required | ||
| * Health | 1.5 credits | |
| . Physical Fitness | ||
| . Wellness | ||
| . JROTC | ||
| * Minimum electives | 6 credits | |
| . Career & Technical | ||
| . Fine Arts | ||
| . Humanities | ||
| Total 22 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
In addition, every student who enters the ninth grade in 2009 will be expected to complete a capstone experience before he graduates (e.g., senior exhibition, externship, internship. service learning project, etc.).
May I obtain honors credit for any ninth grade courses?
Yes, selected honors courses are available at all MCS schools. You should discuss this with the counselor as you choose your 2009-10 courses.
If I have additional questions, whom should I contact?
Please contact the Office of PreK-16 Innovation and Reform at 416-5360, or you may arrange to meet with counselors at the school your child will attend.