High School Redesign Academy Leads:

Bevan Brunelle, Performing and Media Arts Academy
Send Bevan Brunelle an Email

Irene Ushomirsky, Community and Global Studies Academy
Send Irene Ushomirsky an Email

Mary Brazeau, Engineering and Life Science Academy
Send Mary Brazeau an Email

1. Opening letter

2. District priorities

3. Core tenets

4. Linked-Learning Academies

5. Personalized Pathways

6. Freshman Academy

7. Newcomer Program

8. Opportunity Academy – An Innovative Alternative HS program

9. Key Supporting Initiatives

10. All Supporting Initiatives

The Holyoke Public School district (HPS) has made major gains in graduation and dropout rates, especially for English language learners and Latinx students. Holyoke’s graduation rate has improved 10 points to 72.2 percent, while dropout rates were cut nearly in half, to 3.4 percent.

The Holyoke Public Schools are transforming the high school experience to ensure that every student has a high-quality educational option, with a focus on college and careers for all students. Released in SY2016-17, our innovative High School Redesign Plan creates high interest pathways for students that result in a competitive advantage after high school.  The plan was developed by nearly 100 educators, students, community members and national experts with support from the Barr Foundation.

Across the North, Dean, and Opportunity campuses, every pathway:

• Prepares students for career and college success

• Has applied learning opportunities in the classroom and the community

• Is aligned to 21st century education and industry-based standards

• Provides opportunities for students to earn stackable credentials

At North Campus, students select to participate in one of three theme-based academies (Performing and Media Arts, Community and Global Studies, and Engineering and Life Science).  At Dean Campus, students select one of the nine career, vocational and technical education (CVTE) programs.  At Opportunity Academy, students select between a set of alternative high school pathways that allow them to continue or restart on a pathway to a diploma if they are not succeeding in a traditional high school setting.

You may review our original plan to the right.  Please note that as we have revised aspects of the plan throughout implementation, as we learn together how to make this redesign plan fit the needs and interests of our students and staff.