Committee reviews Grade Eight Academy proposal to expand dual‑enrollment pathway

Two building principals outlined a proposed Grade Eight Academy designed to give some eighth graders the chance to take high‑school‑level courses (for graduation credit under the academy model) and to create a pathway to dual enrollment at Quinsigamond Community College (QCC).

Presenters described an application process that would weigh academic responsibility, social‑emotional readiness, teacher recommendations and parent/guardian commitment. The program would emphasize math and science—continuing Project Lead The Way modules from the middle school—and include options such as Spanish I and Algebra I currently taught at the middle school level. Under the academy model, selected eighth graders would be able to earn high‑school credit earlier and then pursue dual enrollment during their junior and senior years.

Officials described a new partnership with Quinsigamond Community College. Staff said spring collaborative courses are currently $250 for a three‑credit course, the district has budgeted an estimated $350 per course seat for next year, and the FY23 draft includes roughly $14,000 to cover enrollment seats. "We have right now 38 families who have responded and of those 38, 37 had said that they're interested in learning more about this academy," a presenter said. The district noted that true dual enrollment—where students attend classes on the college campus—would typically require families to assume some costs and transportation responsibility.

Committee members asked whether existing middle‑school offerings (Spanish I, Algebra I) would continue; presenters confirmed those options would remain and that the academy option would require students to take Algebra I at the high school to follow the pathway. The presenters said more detailed planning, cost estimates and a formal program of studies will be brought to the committee in subsequent meetings.

Next steps: the committee will continue the conversation in upcoming workshops and gather more detail about seats, schedules and family commitments before any formal adoption.