Freshman Academies: Supporting Student Success

Transitioning from middle to high school can feel overwhelming, but Freshman Academies make this leap more manageable. These academies provide a smaller, supportive community where students can build confidence, explore their interests, and develop skills to succeed both academically and personally. Tyner Academy’s Freshman Lead Teacher, Trevor Wilson, and The Howard School’s Freshman Academy Administrator, Dr. Genise Evans-Fletcher, provided insight into how Freshman Academies help students thrive.

Easing the Transition to High School

Freshman Academies are designed to help students adapt to the new expectations of high school life. “Our goal is to create a comfortable, welcoming environment for freshmen,” explained Fletcher. “We work hard to build relationships between students and staff so everyone feels connected.”

This sense of connection is essential during the first year of high school. The Freshman Academy’s daily advisory classes focus on time management, goal-setting, and study habits. By teaching these foundational skills, students gain tools to handle the challenges of high school.

At The Howard School, the Tiger Way program teaches students to “Be Ready, Responsible, Respectful.” Fletcher shared, “These principles help students build positive habits and set the tone for high school success.”

Academic and Career Exploration

Freshman Academies also emphasize academics and future planning. At Tyner Academy, students can explore career paths through Future Ready Institutes. These include programs through EPB, Teaching and Learning, and Health Science. “We want students to see what’s out there and choose a path that excites them,” Wilson said.

Similarly, The Howard School provides a solid academic foundation by offering extended-day tutoring and double-block Math and English classes for extra support. Teachers use these sessions to ensure that students stay caught up. “Our goal is to make sure every student has the tools they need to succeed, whether mastering class content or preparing for the ACT,” Fletcher stated.

Fostering Social and Emotional Growth

Beyond traditional learning, Freshman Academies play a key role in helping students feel supported emotionally. Both schools use programs like Sown to Grow at Tyner Academy and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at The Howard School to nurture students’ social and emotional well-being. At Tyner Academy, bi-monthly activities like games and team-building exercises encourage students to work together and form lasting bonds.

“Building relationships is so important,” explained Wilson. “When students feel cared for, they are more likely to stay engaged and motivated.” The Howard School also offers opportunities for freshmen to participate in leadership teams, clubs, sports, and band. These activities help students discover their passions and make meaningful connections.

Teachers Make a Difference

Teachers are the heart of the Freshman Academy. They work closely with students to identify challenges and provide solutions. At Tyner and Howard, teachers hold regular conferences with students to discuss grades, attendance, and behavior. They collaborate with school staff and families to create personalized plans for students in need.

“Our teachers are trained to spot issues early,” Fletcher stated. “Whether a student needs help catching up in class or overcoming personal struggles, we’re here to help.”

A Pathway to Graduation

Freshman Academies are more than a transition tool; they’re a critical strategy for improving graduation rates. Studies show that students who finish their first year on track are significantly more likely to graduate on time, while those who fall behind are far less likely to complete high school.

This focus on staying on track is reflected in data from Tyner Academy, which has reduced the number of “off-track” students by 13.4% since last year. The Howard School has also seen progress, with more students meeting key academic metrics, attendance, and behavior, with fewer infractions and unfriendly responses across the board.

“When we help students succeed in their first year, we’re setting them up for long-term success,” explained Fletcher. “That’s why the Freshman Academy is so important—it’s the foundation for everything that comes next.” At Tyner, Wilson expresses, “Watching a student who struggled at the beginning of the year gain confidence and take charge of their future is the real reward.”

A Bright Future

Freshman Academies are proving to be a game-changer for students. By creating supportive communities, offering academic and emotional resources, and encouraging personal growth, these programs set students on the path to success. With dedicated teachers and a focus on building skills and confidence, students are not just surviving their freshman year but thriving.