New River Academy Academics
"Why Invest in Your Child´s Education?”
View this exciting slide show illustrating academics and cultural exploration.
Most parents dream of providing their child with the best life opportunities. Let’s add this point to the state of our nation’s economy. As one parent pointed out, "Is there a better time to invest in my child?" The more you think about it, the more the concept of investing in your child makes sense. And you would be proud to invest in your child if you were certain that the academics at the New River Academy would be an improvement from your current school system.
One of the easiest ways to answer if the academics are sound is to simply request parent references. David Hughes or Kara Ware will warmly grant your request for parent references. Kara Ware, Academics Coordinator: gohugeatnra@yahoo.com or 304-663-1081 or David Hughes Executive Director: hugeh2o@yahoo.com or 304-640-1001.
Will the Academics be an Improvement to Your Current School?
So, your child thinks they have found the perfect high school. And you are intrigued to observe actual excitement about high education. But you still have to answer several questions before you are ready to apply. How can you trust the academics are rigorous? How can you be assured your academic needs will be met? And what is a daily schedule for classes?"
Did you know New River Academy students score over 150 points higher than the national SAT exam average?
Lets begin with the school slogan, “And that has made all the difference.”
Yes, you’re right; the New River Academy slogan is taken from the last line of Robert Frosts’ famous poem The Road Not Taken. “And that has made all the difference” serves as a constant reminder to each teacher to take that extra step, and fully apply their experience, innovation and creativity in every aspect of their teaching and mentoring. Easier said than done- but you have to admit, having that cool slogan everywhere is a great reminder. And to have a constant reminder to make the difference is exactly the idea. Whether that ‘extra step’ means developing advanced material to challenge a gifted student in AP Calculus, or offering additional tutoring to a learning-needs student “And that has made all the difference” reminds your teacher every day of the difference they can make.
Do the teachers really make a difference? Here is a video made by the video class of Spanish III's production of Little Red Riding Hood. You can probably tell that both the students and teacher had fun with their Spanish learning. Is your Spanish III class this fluent?
"OK, tell me more about the school schedule."
New River Academy has six one-hour periods of school per day, five days per week. The school is mandated to meet certain hour and curriculum credentials. The teachers and students travel with their textbooks to premier whitewater locations across the globe. The difference is that your Algebra 2 class may be in a cabin next to a river with only three other students. It is actually easier to advance further within a syllabus and the mastery of material simply due to our unique, 3:1 student to teacher ratio. What we refer to as our "golden ratio."
Each day after sixth period students clean the base, load their kayaks, and everyone is excited to go kayaking. After kayaking and dinner there is a nightly study hall. The cool thing is that the teachers are right there to tutor and help with material. If every parent just observed one study hall or academic day they would be excited to enroll. Imagine your child learning study skills and how to live as an adult prior to even applying to a university.
Linda Anderson gives a parent testimony:
"With Eric´s AP scores from New River Academy, and the scores from his previous AP classes, our son will enter Virginia Tech with 21 credits. Clearly, I think his scores demonstrate that New River Academy successfully combines a high level of paddling instruction with a demanding academic course load. As parents, we appreciated the personalization of his curriculum, and the dedication of your staff in ensuring that all of the needed material was taught. The quarterly reports, and emails, also helped us gauge his progress, and provide encouragement and advice when needed. Our son's AP scores provide some solid proof that your holistic approach to education gives equal weight to academic training."
Hiring teachers who care has made all the difference.
Prior to New River Academy, founder David Hughes was frustrated teaching in the Georgia public school system.
“The public high school was overcrowded and teachers were playing a routine game of waiting on the promise land. The promise land was retirement and the game was who could best control their classes with the least amount of creative effort. The number one resource became busy work. And if a student were too much of a problem, they would be issued a pink slip or sent to a principal. Mainly due to overcrowding, the system is setup to fail.”
Hughes aspired to offer a positive and productive educational experience, and the changes were simpler than you might have imagined.
1. Teacher to Student Ratio averages 3 to 1. Hughes states, “When it comes to education, there is no equivalent to private instruction from a motivated and qualified teacher.” At New River Academy, your classes average an unparalleled, 3-1 student to teacher ratio. It’s what we call the “golden ratio” and it makes all the difference.
2. For Gifted Students- Due to our golden ratio, gifted students can be easily challenged, or grouped with other advanced students.
Addressing Learning Needs Students- Teachers have the time and energy to cater to the needs of students who require extra attention in a particular subject. Teachers are aware of each student’s unique set of skills and challenges. Personal attention and classroom involvement, along with private tutorial outside of class will guarantee you better grades, and a deeper understanding of a subject. This tailored-to-you approach to learning is the best way to gain the organization and study skills you will need to prep for college.
3. Hiring Qualified Motivated Teachers- As you can imagine, a lot of teachers apply to travel the world, kayak, and teach at a private school with such an astounding student/teacher ratio. This means New River Academy has a large pool of applicants, from which we choose only the most outstanding instructors. Teaching internationally is not always easy; you will want a teacher who cares but is also tough, a teacher who will challenge you, and a teacher who will take the time to help you meet your goals.
4. A Motivational School Environment- Since every teacher and student at New River Academy is passionate for kayaking and the outdoors, whitewater destinations are an easy decision. International locations are also chosen for their academic stability, cultural immersion, safety, and exploration. Having a focused, productive class taught in the open air with two of your best friends is easier than you think! Imagine a beach side poetry reading that caps off a quarter of studying the classics, or a Spanish teacher who organizes a language-centered scavenger hunt throughout the township of Pucon, Chile. Teachers use the shared passion for kayaking and the outdoors as an opportunity for mutual respect, learning, and motivation.
5. Is It Impossible to fall through the Cracks? When parents address concerns about their child needing outside tutoring, or an extra challenge in order to prep for the AP English Lit and Comp exam, the 3:1 ratio allows staff the time, energy and focus to meet those needs. Teachers meet with students during their nightly study hall, and frequently use their free time to give extra help with the quadratic equation or hear first drafts of creative writing pieces. Thorough, twice-quarterly report cards will enable you to remain connected with your child’s academic performance throughout the semester.
What are the Graduation Requirements?
Graduates are earning acceptance to the nations top ivy leagues, liberal arts schools, and universities.
New River Academy offers a variety of classes in every core area required for graduation. Teachers meet with each student to discuss their personal learning goals and how they best absorb information. This allows the teacher to listen to your ideas, and teach to your unique learning style.
I want to take Advanced Placement courses-
Many bright, motivated students are now choosing New River Academy due to our proven advanced placement and honors educational program.
The New River Academy accommodates students requesting advanced placement and honors courses.
AP courses are aligned with the standards set by the College Board and classes are teacher led, rather than independent study. Per the new College Board requirements, all AP syllabi are turned in to the College Board prior to the beginning of the school year for course audit leading to official approval by the Board. Students will take the AP exam upon completion of the course. AP courses taught in the past are: AP Biology, AP Physics BC, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP English Lit and Comp, AP US History, and AP Spanish Language.
To apply check out our "Easy to Apply Application."
How much is tuition and what other fees are there?How does transferring my high school transcript work?
Accredited college preparatory school systems must transfer from one school system to the other via legal documents. Within your Phase II Application you will complete the “Permission to Release Student Records” document. By simply completing this release you have permitted New River Academy administration to take care of this task. It is that simple.
Can New River Academy provide parent references?
Yes, we have several parents who are happy to speak with you. Just call or email David Hughes or Kara Ware to request a parent reference:
David Hughes: 304-574-0403 or hugeh2o@yahoo.com
Kara Ware: 304-663-1081 or gohugeatnra@yahoo.com
Other Important Academic Links
Whether you choose to apply for a semester or to earn your degree from New River Academy, you will be proud of your accomplishments. Yes the academics are tough and your teachers will hold you accountable as they challenge you, but within this motivational environment we have confidence in your success.
- College Placement
- Course Descriptions
- Gap Year
To apply check out our "Easy to Apply Application."
New River Academy Kayak School
Rt. 2 Box 245
Fayetteville, WV 25840
(304)- 574-0403
Fax: (304) 513-2247
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