SPARTAN ACADEMY

What is a 9^th Grade Academy? 

Across the United States ninth grade academies are a popular trend.  What makes 9^th grade academies so popular?  Any year a student changes buildings is filled with tension and anxiety.  As a result, student achievement usually drops.  This is especially true in 9^th grade.  When students enter ninth grade, many of them fail one or more courses.  Behavior and attendance are a problem as well.  These problems lead to an increase in drop out rates.  According to research ninth grade academies diminish these problems.

So . . . what does a ninth grade academy look like?

1. 9^th grade students are, many times, given a special part of the building where most of their classes are found.  This allows the administrators and guidance counselors to interact with them all during the day.
2. Students are organized into smaller learning communities.  Common teachers and a common area of the building for several classes give students a “home” where they are known and understood. 
3. Teachers are trained in building relationships with the students –  making connections to help students have a positive feeling about school.
4. High expectations are communicated continuously – through positive posters, announcements and teacher expectations.
5. Strong academic support  prevents students from failing subjects the first year of high school.

In the Spartan Academy at White Station High School we have incorporated all of these concepts into our plans.  The Academy is located in the former East Annex.  Ninth graders have most of their core classes (English, math, science, social studies) in the Academy building.  This year the Academy is loosely organized into three teams – a traditional team (the Alpha Team), an optional team and one team with both traditional and optional students on it. 

The ninth grade office is located on the second floor of the Academy.  Melvin Harris and Pat Sutton are the administrators.  The newest White Station counselor, Candy Smith, is located in the ninth grade office.  Our office is organized and supported by our secretary, Zellaery Smith.

Several of our teachers participate in the WAVE program.  This program has provided training for several of our Academy teaches in building relationships with students.  Mr. Harris and Ms. Sutton have positive interactions with student many times each day.

Throughout the Academy students see affirmations of our belief in their ability.  Student work is posted all over the building.  Lists of students accomplishments, student birthdays and announcements are also prominently displayed. 

To support students, the Academy provides tutoring in major core subjects.  The White Station library is home to Homework Central where students may go for general assistance on projects and on homework.  Students who do not complete classroom work are assigned to Homework Central.  This, hopefully, will prevent many students from failing.

The Spartan Academy staff believes that all students can be successful at school.  We accept the challenge of motivating every student to be a high achiever.  If you have questions about the Academy, please email one of the Spartan Academy administrators.

Melvin Harris – harrism@mcsk12.net

Pat Sutton – suttonpatriciaw@mcsk12.net