District 200 Programs-The Academy

The Academy Program

The Academy Program serves a growing number of students who are disengaged from the traditional high school program. These students have some common characteristics--expulsions, suspensions, retention, chronic course failures, truancies, family problems, drug and alcohol abuse-that jeopardize their chances of graduating. In a district where there will be more than 4500 students in two high schools, the challenge is to make the system work for a diverse group of learners. The Academy Program addresses the needs of one such group by structuring a program that encourages student attendance and provides the support required to help students succeed academically, emotionally, and socially.

Here are some examples of how students learn at the Academy.

•	Small class sizes means students and teachers get to know each other better. Understanding their students' emotional and academic needs gives teachers the information they need to adapt instruction for their individual needs.
•	A focus on earning credits toward graduation places students in control of their own learning with both teacher led and self directed instruction.
•	A strict attendance requirement keeps students in school and places them in a position to spend the time needed to learn the material and earn course credits.
•	Guidance counselors work with each student throughout the semester/year to plan future coursework, discuss social/emotional and academic progress, and to consider future education and occupational goals.
•	Attention to individual student needs is a priority supported by the presence of deans, social workers, and psychologists whenever the Academy is in session.
•	Students are required to work a minimum of 15 hours a week and are supervised at their work site by an Academy teacher.

The program operates from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday in a structured setting that allows students to learn at their own pace within strict attendance, behavior, and academic guidelines. The program is housed at Wheaton Warrenville South High School, but serves students from both District 200 high schools.

Students are accepted for the program after personal interviews and parent/student/counselor conferences. Academy students are referred to the program by the Student Services Team or by students in the program.

For more information on The Academy program, please call the Wheaton Warrenville South High School guidance office at (630) 682-2133 or the Wheaton North High School guidance office at (630)682-2146.