What is the Newcomer Academy?
Jeffco is now offering online "enriched" core content courses for high school Newcomer and Beginning Level (1 & 2) ELLs. Six enriched core content courses are offered within the 3 content areas of English Language Arts, Social Studies and Science.
Why do we have a Newcomer Academy?
Our 9th - 12th grade Newcomer and Beginning level ELLs are one of the most vulnerable student groups who are at-risk of failing if they do not have equitable access to content area courses where they can not only understand the content but demonstrate their understanding in an appropriate manner based on their English language proficiency level. These core content courses are designed and taught by highly experienced ESL/content area teachers who know how to ensure equitable access to content and can differentiate to meet the needs of each student.
Who can enroll in the Newcomer Academy?
9th -12th grade Newcomer and Beginning level students (NEP Level 1 & 2) who attend our low-incidence high schools (all high schools except Alameda, Arvada, Jefferson and Lakewood). Translated downloadable informational flyers are listed above.
What courses are offered through the Newcomer Academy?
- Newcomer English Language Arts
- Beginning English Language Arts
- United States History
- Geography and Government
- Earth Science
Where is the Newcomer Academy located?
Newcomer Academy is an online program option. Newcomer Academy students enroll at their home school (primary enrollment) and the Newcomer Academy (Golden HS, secondary enrollment). The ESL Staff at each school identifies the students and the courses they will take. Newcomer Academy students are enrolled in courses at their home school (e.g., math, electives) and online through the Newcomer Academy (e.g., ESL English Language Arts, US History).
How does the Newcomer Academy work?
Students engage in synchronous online enriched core content courses Monday - Friday between 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.
NCA Internal Informational Flyer for administrators, counselors, and teachers (2021-22)
We use a co-teaching model with two certified content/ESL teachers per course. Each course is designed to focus on content & language. Three content areas and six Enriched courses are offered: English Language Arts, Social Studies and Science.
Each course uses Google Classroom as the learning management system (LMS). Since Newcomer Academy students are enrolled in courses (like math) at their home school, they will have a connection with the ESL staff member there. All courses count for graduation credit.
Participating schools
Arvada West HS
Bear Creek HS
Chatfield HS
Columbine HS
Conifer HS |
Dakota Ridge HS
Evergreen HS
Golden HS
Green Mountain HS
|
Pomona HS
Ralston Valley HS
Standley Lake HS
Wheat Ridge HS
|