The Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) announced this week its intention to transform Newell Barney Junior High School into an accelerated college preparatory junior high for the 2024-2025 school year.
QCUSD officials said this significant change is part of the school's commitment to providing students with a rigorous and engaging academic experience that will prepare them for success in high school, college and beyond.
"The transformation into Newell Barney College Prep will prepare seventh- and eighth-grade students for advanced placement, honors and dual enrollment courses they will take in high school, as well as prepare them for success in post-secondary education and future careers," QCUSD said on its website.
"Newell Barney College Prep's accelerated curriculum will offer students a broader, deeper and more complex understanding of their coursework and also allow students to learn at above grade-level standards (non-accelerated curriculum will be available for returning eighth-grade students only during the 2024–2025 school year)," they continued.
To promote a focused academic environment, they said students will wear a school uniform consisting of a maroon or navy polo shirt paired with khaki or navy blue uniform pants, shorts, skirt or uniform dress.
"As part of the Queen Creek Unified School District's commitment to providing diverse educational options, Newell Barney College Prep will serve as a school of choice within the district. Transportation will be available to all students within the boundaries," QCUSD said on its website.
Under the new college prep model, Newell Barney College Prep will offer a challenging curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership and communication skills. Students will have the opportunity to take advanced courses, participate in extracurricular activities and leadership programs.
"We are committed to growing and preparing future leaders by providing an accelerated curriculum, fostering collaboration and cultivating the skills to be successful in the 21st century," said a Nov. 15 district press release.
QCUSD officials said Newell Barney College Prep is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. The school will offer a variety of programs and resources to help students succeed in the college prep curriculum, including:
- Advanced coursework. Students will have the opportunity to take advanced (honors or accelerated) courses in math, science, English and other subjects.
- STEM and leadership programs. Students will be provided opportunities to participate in Leader in Me and Project Lead the Way.
- Extracurricular activities. Students can participate in various extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs and community service projects.
Newell Barney College Prep officials are confident that this model will prepare students for success in high school, college and careers. The school is an extension of QCUSD's K-6 School of Choice, Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary.
"Newell Barney College Prep is committed to providing a quality education that will prepare students for success in high school, college and careers," said the Nov. 15 district press release.
For more information, visit barney.qcusd.org/College-Prep.
