How many students are in the A-School?
There are eighty-two students in the community consisting of sophomores, juniors and seniors.
What kind of student is the A-School right for?
The A-School is comprised of a heterogeneous group of students who are involved in all aspects of life at SHS. A-School students are athletes, musicians, artists, actors, government leaders, presidents of clubs etc. The A-School is for individuals who have the desire to be part of a learning community and whose goal is to develop as a person, as well as a student. The A-School has the same very high academic standards as the high school, but is less formal and places a large emphasis on moral development, participation in a democracy, and “hands-on” learning.
How do A-School students fare in the college admissions process?
A-School students apply to, and are admitted to the same range of colleges as students in the high school.
What are the benefits of being in the A-School? (from the parents of current A-School students)
Smaller math & science classes
Ownership over one’s education
Emphasis of learning over grades
Personal attention from the teachers
Opportunity to develop a meaningful role in a diverse community
Internship
Teacher and classmate continuity
Leadership opportunities
Secure environment allows students to grow and mature
Narrative academic evaluations
What adjectives do current A-School parents use to describe the A-School?
Supportive; inclusive; motivating; engaging; superlative; caring; special; nurturing; empowering; safe; humbling; meaningful; character building; community-oriented; life-changing; intellectually stimulating; intimate
How are students chosen for the A-School?
Students submit an application to join the A-School. This is signed by the student and his/her parent and is submitted Mr. Bonamo’s office. The lottery for admission is held early March. Other than a desire to balance the class by gender, there are no other criteria for selection. Students who do not receive a place via the lottery are offered a spot on the waiting list. A limited number of students who remain on the waiting list are offered a place in the A-School if a rising sophomore withdraws over the summer or for their junior year. Students enrolling as juniors have melded seamlessly into the A-School community
How can I learn more about the A-School program and values?
Each year, current 9th-grade students are introduced to the A-School through a series of presentations and programs designed to make him/her aware of the opportunity to join the A-School community as a sophomore. Presentations are conducted by current A-School students and staff in 9th-grade English classes. During the presentation, students watch a film that shows what it’s like to be an A-School student. Current A-School students also share their stories being a member of the community and answer questions that 9th-grade students may have. At this time, students are invited to attend a Community Meeting to offer your child the chance to experience one aspect of the A-School program.
Shortly after, the staff organizes an A-School Information Night for parents and students to learn more about the curriculum that includes the Internship, Core Group, Community Meeting, Fairness Committee—in short—ownership of learning and more.
What are the differences between main school classes and A-School classes?
The primary differences are that A-School classes are suspended during January internship and A-School students receive written evaluations rather than traditional report cards. A traditional transcript is generated for high school classes and an evaluative transcript is included for A-School classes
Can my child still take main school classes?
Yes, but only when either the course is not offered in the A-School or specific scheduling conflicts preclude it.
Will my child see his/her friends in the High School?
Yes, most A-School classes are held on the first floor new wing of the high school so your child will be in the building every day and can see all his/her friends that are not in the A-School. It is also quite possible your child will have other academic and elective classes with their high school counterparts.
What is Internship?
Each year during the fall semester A-School students plan their hands-on January Internship. A-School classes are suspended during January; however, students continue to attend any classes in the main high school. Internships take place at sites as diverse as talent agencies, construction companies, art galleries, restaurants, political offices, local schools, and many other locations.
Because the Internship program requires independence and initiative, students with a history of disciplinary and/or attendance problems may not attend the A-School.
Are there students whose academic profile prohibits them from applying to the A-School?
The A-School program is a good fit academically for a range of students, including those recommended for regular and honors tracks in math and foreign language. However, the small size of our staff prohibits us from serving students who have been recommended to enroll in a skills level class in 10th grade, most notably English 221 and World History 621. Also, students whose schedules include enrollment in the Science Research program, include two foreign languages, or participation in Civic Education program as advisors will not be able to develop schedules that will work with our program. Interested students should discuss eligibility with their Dean or A-School Director