The transition into high school is one of the most important milestones in a student’s educational journey. Success during ninth grade often sets the trajectory for the years that follow, making it a critical opportunity to establish the academic habits, relationships, and supports students need to thrive.
Recognizing the importance of this transition, the Innovation Academies of Muskegon (I AM) began intentionally redesigning its Freshman Academy in 2020. Following implementation of the Ford NGL approach to the Academy Model, the academy has continued to strengthen its systems through collaborative teaming, targeted student supports, career-connected learning, and a shared commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
What began as a focused effort to support students during their transition to high school has evolved into a comprehensive system of collaboration, intervention, and student-centered support.
Through the intentional implementation of teaming practices, the Freshman Academy has significantly improved student outcomes. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the promotion rate from ninth to tenth grade hovered between 45% and 50%. Today, thanks to the collective efforts of staff and the intentional systems that have been built over the past several years, that rate has exceeded 90% for four consecutive years. This achievement reflects a sustained commitment to ensuring every student has the support needed to succeed.
Building a System Around Students
During the 2025-2026 school year, the Freshman Academy fully implemented its teaming structure, creating a cohesive network of teachers and out-of-class support staff who work together to support students academically, behaviorally, and socially. This collaborative approach allows educators to identify student needs quickly, share insights across disciplines, and provide timely, targeted support before challenges become larger barriers to success.
In the second semester alone, more than 80 students, approximately 30% of the freshman class, participated in Tier 2 interventions focused on academics, attendance, behavior, or a combination of these areas. Rather than addressing concerns in isolation, the academy’s collaborative teams worked together to develop coordinated support plans that addressed the whole student.
Attendance has also become an important area of focus.
Through friendly competitions between the Freshman Academy’s Red and White teams, students were encouraged to improve attendance and reduce tardiness both inside and outside the classroom. One targeted outcome was a 35% reduction in tardies. Daily attendance has steadily increased over time, while chronic absenteeism improved by 10% during the school year.
More importantly, teaming has transformed how the academy understands and responds to attendance challenges. Through ongoing communication among teachers, staff, students, and families, the academy has developed a deeper understanding of why students are absent and how best to remove barriers that keep them from school. As staff explain it, “we know where our kids are,” reflecting stronger relationships with students and families and a more proactive approach to supporting attendance.
Building Confidence from Day One
Another transformative addition has been the creation of Freshman Foundations, a course specifically designed to help students successfully navigate their first year of high school while preparing for their future.
Through self-exploration activities, high school readiness lessons, career awareness experiences, and academy exploration, students gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the opportunities available to them at Innovation Academies of Muskegon. The course introduces students to the career pathways and academies offered within the school while helping them develop the skills, habits, and mindset necessary for success.
Freshman Foundations has become a cornerstone of the academy’s work, providing students with a strong foundation as they begin high school while helping them envision what success can look like beyond graduation.
Creating Structures That Support Every Student
To further strengthen its work, the Freshman Academy established staff-led subcommittees dedicated to key areas of student-centered support. These teams focus on:
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- Teaching and Learning
- Implementation of the Portrait of a Graduate
- Celebrations
Together, these groups help shape a culture where students are supported, challenged, recognized, and celebrated.
An impactful addition to the academy’s support system has also been the implementation of Learning Lab, a dedicated opportunity for students to participate in peer-to-peer tutoring during the school day.
Learning Lab has created a culture where students learn from one another, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and receive academic support in a timely and meaningful way. The initiative empowers students to take ownership of their learning while fostering a strong sense of community within the academy.
Making Learning More Connected
Another significant area of growth has been the expansion of interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Teachers have worked collaboratively across content areas to create meaningful learning experiences that help students make connections between disciplines while demonstrating how learning extends beyond individual classrooms.
One highlight of this work was the collaboration between English 9 and U.S. History, where students explored World War II through both historical and literary lenses. By connecting historical events with reading, writing, analysis, and discussion, students gained a deeper understanding of the content while strengthening critical thinking and communication skills.
These interdisciplinary experiences have helped make learning more engaging, relevant, and authentic for students.
The Power of Teamwork
The progress of the Freshman Academy is a direct result of the dedication, passion, and teamwork of its staff.
Educators have embraced the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive and have worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. Their willingness to innovate, collaborate, and continuously improve has transformed the freshman experience and created a model of support that benefits every learner.
While the academy has implemented new structures, courses, and interventions, the greatest transformation has been cultural. Teachers and support staff now work together around a shared purpose, collectively taking ownership of student success. That collaborative culture reflects a core principle of the Ford NGL approach to the Academy Model: creating interdisciplinary teams that build strong relationships, respond proactively to student needs, and ensure students are known, supported, and connected throughout their high school experience.
Looking Ahead
While the Freshman Academy is incredibly proud of what has been accomplished, the team is equally excited about the work that lies ahead.
As educators continue refining their systems, strengthening instructional practices, expanding opportunities for collaboration, and building upon their progress, they remain committed to ensuring every freshman who enters their doors has the support, experiences, and opportunities needed to achieve success in high school and beyond.
The evolution of the Freshman Academy is not simply a story of improved data or stronger systems. It is the story of educators coming together around a shared purpose: creating an environment where every student belongs, grows, and succeeds.
