8th Grade Academy

Eighth grade is a capstone year for middle schools, and at Citizen Schools returning students seal in and extend the competencies they’ve developed as apprentices. Based on the successful model in Boston and generously funded by Goldman Sachs, the national 8th Grade Academy program helps these 14- and 15-year-olds attain the basic and real-world skills they need to launch into high school, graduate, and succeed in college. In addition to the hands-on learning and homework time appropriate for students in all middle grades, 8th Grade Academy apprentices spend 150 minutes during program each week—plus six to ten Saturdays—on activities tailored to their needs:

• High School Preparation. Students learn how to navigate the differing trajectories within high school, both academically and socially. In districts with high-school choice, students and families also evaluate their options and apply to college-track schools.
• Positive Choices. Students learn how to make decisions based on data rather than emotion, peer pressure, or inexperience.They practice setting goals, developing and implementing plans, and evaluating their progress.
• Leadership Skills. 8th graders develop skills in self-advocacy, follow-through, time management, and delayed gratification. They begin to build and maintain a network of caring adults to help them on their journey to college.
• Pathway to College. Students explore local colleges, high schools, and job sites that make their learning relevant. They investigate the entry requirements for college and gauge their grades, scores, and activities. Students learn professional skills like interviewing and resume-writing, and research and apply to college-track summer programs.
• Citizen Schools Reflection & Graduation. Students reflect on their achievements, challenges, and growth during middle school, connecting the real-world skills developed through their many apprenticeships with their future goals. The proud, joyful ceremony of their Citizen Schools graduation inspires younger students who follow in their footsteps.

Learn more about 8th Grade Academy in this presentation from the 2009 BOOST conference.