Freshmen and Sophomore Oiler Academy 

Identifying the need:

The Academy classes were started by the Huntington Beach Union High School District because there were a number of students leaving middle school lacking the academic skills to enter high school.  These students would then fail many core classes (English, Math and Science) their 9th grade year and become credit deficient.  The Academy class fills in the gaps and teaches these students the study skills and gives them support to keep their grades and attendance up and earn the credits they need for graduation.

The Essential Components:

1.      One to two year academic intervention elective class

2.      Students are carefully identified to optimize success

3.      Small classroom environment 25 to 1 classroom ratio

4.      An environment of high expectations, implemented with optimal structure and success

5.      A Student Support Psychologist who provides frequent counseling as well as monitors scheduling, grades, attendance and discipline

6.      Positive reinforcement (student of the month luncheon, perfect attendance rewards, positive phone calls and notes home from teacher)

Goals of the Oiler Academy

¨       Give academically at-risk students specialized attention during their 9th and 10th grade year

¨       Break the spiral of failure and increase the likelihood of high school graduation

¨       Offer transition services between middle and high school which incorporate proven and successful strategies

¨       Promote parent support and participation as well as student involvement in school

For questions or more information, please contact:

Michelle Pendergast, Student Support Specialist/School Psychologist

(714) 536-2514 x4688

mpendergast@hboilers.com

Rick Glenn, Academy teacher

(714) 536-2514 x4804

eglenn@hboilers.com