Freshman Academy

The Freshman Academy at Cheltenham High School is a “school-within-a-school” model designed to support students during the critical transition from middle school to high school. Ninth grade is a pivotal year for academic success and on-time graduation, and the Academy provides a structured environment that emphasizes academic growth, relationship-building, and student belonging.

Purpose and Goals

The Freshman Academy is intentionally designed to address the challenges students often experience during their first year of high school. The Academy focuses on four core goals:

Smooth Transition: Supporting students as they adjust to the increased academic expectations and independence of high school.

Academic Stability: Reducing the academic decline that commonly occurs during ninth grade.

Community Building: Creating a sense of belonging through consistent peer groups and dedicated staff teams.

Foundation for Long-Term Success: Establishing strong academic habits and skills that support persistence and on-time graduation.