About Northridge Academy High school
Year Built- Northridge Academy High School opened on September 9, 2004 with 600 ninth and tenth grade students. Northridge Academy High School is a partnership of the Los Angeles Unified School District (Local District 1) and California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Learn more about the history of NAHS.
Size of School- Our school currently serves approximately 980 students in grades 9 through 12. This is roughly one-fourth of the average at most LAUSD high schools, allowing for a more personal environment.
Small Learning Communities / Academies- In addition to a 9th Grade Bridge / Exploratory Academy, Northridge Academy has developed three academies, or small learning communities, that coincide with three major colleges at CSUN. They are:
Health & Human Development - Learn more ...
Arts, Media & Communication- Learn more ...
Careers in Education- Learn more ...
Academic Rigor- Northridge Academy sets high expectations for all students by providing a rigorous and relevant curriculum with a system of learning supports.
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Stakeholder Voice- We firmly believe in the importance of actively engaging the voice and wisdom of our students, parents, and community in the building of our culture.
Motto/Guiding Question- Our school motto is “The Choice is Learning”, emphasizing our belief that “learning” must be central to everything we say and do at our school. From our initial opening in 2004, our guiding question as we make decisions has been “Does this choice support the Learning Community?”
Advisories- We have implemented Advisories in order to foster a mentor/support/advocate relationship between adults on our campus and our students to support both academic and personal growth.
Learn more about Advisories and our Advisory program.
Block Scheduling- Block scheduling allows our students to engage in quality exploration of opportunities and experiences at CSUN, which emphasize higher levels of learning, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary projects.
Collaborative Model- Students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are placed in the least restrictive environment. In most cases, special education students are integrated with regular education students in clusters, and resource teachers/general education teachers co-plan/team-teach these students. Para-professionals support our implementation of the collaborative model. We have experienced good success with this model and the achievement of all of our students.
Technology- NAHS has an abundance of technology, including four computer labs, five wireless laptop carts, ceiling mounted LCD projectors, video broadcasting system and a two-way video connection with CSUN.
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CSUN Partnership- The joint relationship between Northridge Academy and CSUN provides a unique opportunity for the high school and university to develop richer curriculum and expanded learning opportunities for the students on both campuses. Faculty from Northridge Academy regularly meet with their counterpart faculty at Cal State University Northridge to develop and plan curriculum. In addition, students at Northridge Academy have access to a wide variety of Cal State University Northridge resources, including check-out privileges at the CSUN Oviatt Library.
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Mission Statement- It is our commitment to build - with the help of our students, parents, and community partners - an enriching and challenging environment that will support all students in achieving high academic and personal goals that will prepare them for a successful future.
ESLRs- NAHS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC). All WASC accredited schools are expected to define and adopt Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs) that form the basis of the educational program for every student. Click below to learn read our Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (pdf file).
Learning Conversation Principles- As a school we have adopted “Learning Conversation Principles” (LCPs), adapted from the work of Sue Miller Hearst. Our LCPs guide our interactions both in the classroom and in meetings, and are integral to our school culture. Our LCPs are as follow: (1) Listen with the intent to understand, rather than to respond; (2) Open your mind to new learning and practice; (3) Invite differences and move away from ‘either/or’. Embrace ‘and’; (4) Wonder in front of each other; and (5) Assume and exhibit good will.
Discipline Plan- Outcomes of our discipline plan include maximizing instructional time, valuing students as individuals, clear expectations, and the development of responsible and ethical students. For more information, read the NAHS Discipline Plan (pdf file).
Governance / Committees- It takes a group effort to provide a safe, nurturing, and academically rigorous learning environment. Multiple committees provide oversight over virtually all aspects of our school, including School Site Council (SSC), School Leadership Council (SLC), English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC), Technology Committee, Literacy Cadre, PD Committee, Advisory Committee, Instructional Cabinet, Safety Committee, and Library Leadership Team (LLT).
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Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA)- The purpose of the SPSA is to create a cycle of continuous improvement of student performance, and to ensure that all students succeed in reaching academic standards set by the State Board of Education. The Single Plan is reviewed annually by the School Site Council (SSC). Read the NAHS Single Plan (pdf file).
2008 - 2009 Applications Available Now- We are pleased to invite your student to apply to Northridge Academy High School (NAHS). We are now taking applications for incoming first-time 9th grade students for Fall 2008. Applications are available here on our web site.
Academies / SLC's- In grade 9, students participate in the 9th Grade Bridge / Exploratory Academy. At the end of grade 9, students select one of three interdisciplinary academies.