Huguenot Academy’s academic model of individualized student support, smaller class sizes, and an emphasis on ensuring students are ready to “launch” after graduation is achieving success, Program Director Andrea Schwach told the Board of Education during a presentation last week.
One key indicator that Huguenot’s approach pays dividends: 19 of the 23 students in this year’s senior class have been accepted to college, and more acceptances “are rolling in,” Schwach said, noting that students have plans to work in fields such as computer science, the airline industry, construction, and emergency medical services.
Huguenot Academy, a program of New Rochelle High School, provides a relationship-based environment that enables students to thrive, Schwach said – a point emphasized by Superintendent Jonathan Raymond. “Relationships are a key to what makes Huguenot really successful,” he said.
Students have full access to the high school’s extracurricular, athletic and any other programs, Schwach said. She explained that high levels of engagement and a collaborative home-school partnership are at the foundation of the program’s approach. This includes a low student-to-teacher ratio, innovative course offerings to hone students’ post-secondary goals, flexibility to pursue non-traditional pathways, empowerment, and more.
Huguenot continues to look ahead, Schwach said:
- The Yale RULER Training Program, an emotional-support program, will be implemented this summer. This will complement social and emotional learning approaches already in use.
- “Launchpad” will start next school year, supporting the college and career exploration/application process.
- Enrollment is anticipated to expand from the current 65 to about 200 in the 2025-2026 school year.
- Additional partnerships will be created with community organizations and companies, and a community service requirement will be implemented.
Schwach specifically credited Huguenot’s dedicated team and hard-working students for the school’s success, saying both power the program’s “holistic wraparound approach to adolescent development.”
The Board of Education was impressed by the presentation. Board member William Iannuzzi said, “You have really built an adult connection to those kids.” Board member Margaret Bavosa praised the Huguenot team’s perseverance and offered thanks “for all you have done to keep everyone supported.”