The initial thematic unit of the second semester presented the topic of Tolerance through the use of literature. Each student is also preparing a position paper and is encouraged to used advanced writing, researching, and critical thinking skills. Some class periods vary form short-course meetings of 35 minutes to lab and project periods of 70 minutes to 4 hours. The project allows them to experience a nurturing, secure, structured setting, and to adapt to the unique challenges of high school. So far teachers report that they enjoy the collaborative planning and empowerment that the project allows.
Students feel at home and like the variety of classes, teaching methods, and projects offered.
Parent support and feedback is positive. Finally, preliminary data indicate that students' attendance for freshman year is better than the previous year. Plans are underway to use the summer to evaluate the first year's results, revise the curriculum, and investigate ways to further improve and restructure the University High School freshman experience.