Academies Become Model for Neighboring Districts

Created in 2011, the New Milford Academy program has quickly gained steam in the district and in the area as two school districts have initiated discussions to replicate New Milford's model.

According to Danielle Shanley, the Diretor of Curriculum and Instruction, officials in Cresskill and a district in New York have expressed interest in creating their own Academy programs.

The district offers three specialized programs: The Academy of Arts and Letters, The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy and The Academy for Global Leadership.

Students in the Academy of Arts and Letters enroll in courses such as AP language and composition, music theory, or Rock of Ages, a study of popular culture through the development of rock-and-roll.

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy offers marine biology and forensics while the Academy for Global Leadership includes contemporary issues in world affairs and world languages, including Mandarin.

Students who complete 50 credits in courses associated with a specific academy will receive a diploma with an academy designation.

A similar program was instituted at the middle school for students in eighth grade to have a taste of what will be available at the Academies@NMHS. 

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