Knox County Schools is set to launch its Newcomer Academy in late fall 2024, offering a transformative opportunity for English Language Learners (ELL) with interrupted formal education.
The academy located at Lincoln Park aims to provide intensive support to assist the students in meeting academic goals before returning to their base high schools.
The need for the Newcomer Academy became apparent as district principals raised concerns about students entering high school with few or no credits who had limited English proficiency and disrupted educational backgrounds.
“We are seeing an increased enrollment of students who are identified as SIFE, or students with interrupted formal education,” said Director of Student Supports Alicia Jones. “When they come to us at that age, wanting to be in school, what do we need to do to support them? That’s really where the idea started.”
After years of planning, the Newcomer Academy will finally open its doors to provide these students with a pathway to academic success.
“Since the inception of this idea, our population has doubled if not tripled. We are currently serving about 5,400 ELL students who speak 123 different languages,” Jones said.
The program will offer a structured environment to build both their language and academic skills.
Principal of Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy Dr. Sofia Roth will lead the Newcomer Academy and emphasized the importance of meeting the students where they are, both linguistically and academically.
“As far as the programming, they’re going to learn the same thing that everyone else is learning at the same time, just at a different school,” Roth said. “Now we’re adding a second language.”
The curriculum will include essential courses like Algebra I, alongside a Freshman Seminar, which will help students transition smoothly back to their base schools and engage with the district’s 865 Academies initiative.
Roth also stressed the importance of creating a sense of belonging and connection for the students.
“They will have the wraparound support from the staff. Everybody’s rooting for them and making sure they have specialized services,” Roth said. “It’s very important to give them a place to belong.”
The academy’s holistic approach aims to prepare students not just academically, but also socially and emotionally, setting them up for long-term success.
“I’ve always told the students education is the most important thing you can do for yourself. It is the only thing that no one can take away from you, whether you stay here in the United States or go back to your home country,” Roth said. “Having a high school diploma and learning English is going to completely change your life.”
With a committed team of educators and leaders, Knox County Schools’ Newcomer Academy is poised to become a beacon of hope for ELL students with interrupted education, providing them with the skills and support they need to thrive.
As Alicia Jones said, “This is Success for Every Student in action. We are making sure we’re providing support for every student, every single day. I’m really excited to see their growth and transform some families’ lives by having their students obtain a diploma.”
Success for Every Student
Knox County Schools is dedicated to Success for Every Student. All students have unique abilities, needs, personalities, and ambitions. KCS is committed to equipping every student with the individualized services, interventions, resources, and supports needed to succeed – no matter their zip code, culture, or financial resources.