Schenectady C.S.D. moving freshmen to new academy
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Changes are on the horizon for school children in Schenectady. The Schenectady City School District announced plans to move one grade to its own academy, in a move meant to boost high school graduation rates.
Most freshmen will no longer attend Schenectady High School. They will be relocated 2.5 miles away. The old Steinmetz Educational Center, at 880 Oakwood Avenue, is currently under construction and is being renovated for the new educational space – The Steinmetz Freshman Leadership Academy.
Superintendent Dr. Carlos Cotto Jr. said they’re excited to launch in the Fall. He released a statement that said…
“The freshman year is a pivotal time of transition, and we are committed to ensuring that every student feels supported, connected, and empowered from day one. This academy will provide a strong academic and social-emotional foundation while helping students explore multiple pathways and prepare for meaningful opportunities in the community as they fully engage in their high school experience.”
Academy Principal Philip Weinman presented the plans at a board of education work session on May 7.
“This is a make or break year for our kids and having a committed staff has been really important in this work,” said Weinman.
They expect roughly 500 students at the newly established academy. He said they want to ensure all 9th grade students thrive, academically, socially and personally. Freshman can expect a smaller learning environment.
Tyrone O’Meally is the executive director of secondary schools at S.C.S.D. and explained how the redesign came about.
“After COVID, we looked at the world and the world is changing, and our young people are changing, and we needed to get up with times with our young people and create an environment and program that matches the world,” said O’Meally.
Weinman said moving the freshman class to its own building will help students build confidence.
“Freshman academy in its isolation will be able to build that bridge to a successful and a much higher graduation rate, but one that students are also seeing themselves being a part of and leading,” said Weinman.
On May 29 staff will tour the building, as it’s undergoing renovations. It’s expected to be open to the public for tours August 27, before freshman orientation on September 3.
“I always tell our students don’t hope, be inspired, just do it. Like, we’re not wishing for anything, we’re not hoping for anything. Let’s just make it happen and do it. And I think along with the board, the district, the community, our students, our teachers, we are making that happen and I’ve never been more excited because I am learning so much,” said O’Meally.