Freshman Academy
Program History
The Freshman Academy was established in the 2009-2010 school year and the Sophomore Academy had its inauguration the 2010-2011 school year. The first group of students to go through the Freshman and Sophomore Academies graduated in June, 2013, and more than half of these graduates are enrolled in post-secondary programs.
The Academy program is the vision of former Brunswick High School principal, Donna Borowick, and Superintendent Paul Perzanoski, who felt that many incoming freshmen, for various reasons, struggled transitioning successfully to high school. They also recognized that many students, while academically solid, had a difficult time figuring out how they fit into a big high school and could easily “fall through the cracks”. Academy students continue to benefit from the Academy schedule of classes, the core team of teachers, the additional access to guidance counselors, school counselors, and the mentor/mentee program.
Freshmen Team of Teachers:
English: Jon Riggleman
jriggleman@brunswick.k12.me.us
Math: Jacob Goldstone
jgoldstone@brunswick.k12.me.us
Science: Sue Perkins
Social Studies: Mike Mizner
Special Education: Charlie Arcand
carcand@brunswick.k12.me.us
Mission Statement
Brunswick High School’s Academy is a regular education program that is designed to help 9th and 10th grade students transition to the rigors of high school academics, improve study and organizational skills, provide social and emotional support, and begin examination of post-secondary options. The Academy strives to build a community of learners where students rediscover or enhance their engagement with school and work together to support one another as peers. The Academy endeavors to create a tight knit social structure where students feel supported and where all can become lifelong learners.
Curriculum Overview
The Freshman Academy is a regular education program with the same curriculum that is taught in non-Academy courses. Like other freshmen at Brunswick High School, all students take Freshmen English, Social Studies, Geophysical Science, and Math. Students are placed in one of two math courses: CP Algebra One or Algebra One Part 1 by recommendation of their eighth grade math teacher. Students also have their physical education class everyday as part of their Academy day.
Freshman Academy students may choose two electives in addition to their core classes. Choices may include a foreign language, music, art, theater, or food science. For more information about available electives please review the BHS Course Catalog.
All students enrolled in the Freshman Academy have the same core teachers. The students have a 42-minute period of Academy Support every day. All of their core teachers are available during this time for extra help, make-up work, homework help, goal setting, Academy meetings, and Academy projects. The Academy team of teachers has an 85-minute common planning time every other day to talk about the students in the Academy, meet with parents, plan for cross curriculum projects and field trips, Academy celebrations, and also planning for joint Academy projects.
Academy Highlights
- Academy classes meet every day for 42-minutes vs. 85-minutes every other day
- Academy classes are differentiated to meet the needs of the individual student and emphasizes more experiential learning
- Students see all of their teachers everyday vs. every other day
- Students have a daily Academy Support period when all of their Academy teachers are available for help and support
- Focus on study and organizational skills
Common Core & the Academy
- All classes incorporate practices that help students advance their vocabulary, reading and writing skills
- Cross curricular units examine a subject from four angles: math, science, social studies, and English.
Inter-Academy Units
- The Giving Project introduces students to local non-profit organizations through a research project and a day of volunteering off-campus.
- Intensives allow for a week of study on one subject. Previous intensives have included topographical map making, astronomical digital images, photography, calligraphy, and many more.
Field Trips
Field trips are an integral part of the Academy program at BHS. These field trips enhance the classroom education and introduce students to post-secondary institutions to begin planning for their future beyond high school.
- Reid State Park
- Portland Museum of Science
- Central Maine Community College
- University of Southern Maine
- Holiday dinner off campus
- Community service organizations