Newcomer Academy
Program Description/Goals
The Newcomer Academy addresses the particular cultural, social- emotional, and linguistic needs of our newly arrived ELs. Through project-based, bilingual learning, newcomer ELs will receive excellent instruction that will not only allow students to earn credits to meet the criteria needed to graduate with the Advanced Diploma, but also to acquire English language skills and literacy at an accelerated rate, improve literacy in their native language, and learn academic language within core contexts. Through wrap-around services, newly arrived ELs and their families will receive trauma-informed care from a bilingual school counselor, college and career services through our Academy coordinator, and specialized outreach efforts through our bilingual parent liaison. Our Newcomer Academy teachers and staff embody what it means to #teachwithlove #servewithlove and #leadwithlove.
Instructional DeliveryStudents will receive social-emotional learning, language, and academic support through a bilingual and culturally relevant lens. Services and support will be offered by dually-endorsed content teachers, bilingual EL teachers, and support personnel including an academy coordinator, a bilingual school counselor, and a bilingual parent liaison. |
Characteristics of an ideal student:Newly arrived, immigrant students, ages 14-17, who have been in the country for 12 months or less are eligible for the academy After 12 months, students may continue in the academy by continuing in the Transitional Bilingual Program or may transition to their Zone School Newly arrived, immigrant students who enrolled in the 8th grade in the United States during any point in the second semester are eligible for enrollment into the academy Students age 14-17 enrolling in US schools for the first time without any transcripts or without proof of educational history will be eligible for the academy |
Contact Info
Jennifer Blackwell,
English Learner Specialist, Academic Programs and Student Supports
(804)877-2200
jblackwe@rvaschools.net
Dr. Jannette DuHart,
Bilingual & EL coordinator, Academic Programs and Student Supports
jduhart@rvaschools.net