NewHope Academy AP Courses Prepare Students for College
NewHope Academy Expands AP Courses for 2025-2026
NewHope Academy is raising the bar for academic rigor. After launching its first Advanced Placement (AP) course last year, NewHope Academy AP courses have expanded to four for the 2025-2026 school year, allowing more students to take on college-level coursework in a supportive environment.
Importance of Advanced Placement Opportunities for Students
AP courses, developed by the College Board, provide high school students with the chance to experience challenging curricula and, by earning qualifying scores on AP exams, potentially receive college credit. Access to AP courses is important in preparing students for higher education, building confidence, and demonstrating readiness for advanced studies.
At NewHope, the initiative began with a teacher’s passion.
“One of our teachers, Matt Kornbrot, was really interested in teaching AP Computer Science Principles,” said Talia Diamond, education coordinator at NewHope Academy. “He brought it up in 2023, and after a lot of paperwork and calls with the boards of education, we were officially approved to offer AP courses. Last year, three students enrolled in AP Computer Science Principles, and while only two sat for the exam, they all did well in the class.”
Four AP Courses Offered at NewHope Academy
This year, NewHope Academy is offering four AP courses: AP Government, AP 2D Art/Drawing, AP English Literature, and AP Computer Science A. The school is approved to offer six courses and anticipates continued growth as student interest expands.
Faculty carefully identify and encourage students who are ready for the challenge. Diamond explained,
“Our kids are smart and exceptional. They’re not here because of academics, but because of social-emotional challenges. It is important to give them rigorous academics in a place that can also support them.”
Balancing opportunity with student well-being remains important to the school’s mission. NewHope Academy provides students with average to above-average intelligence a small, safe, and supportive educational environment.
Supporting Students with Academics and Well-Being
“We want to make sure students can handle the stress and workload of AP courses while still benefiting from the therapeutic support central to NewHope,” said Joe Pisano, school director. “It’s a delicate line to tow, but seeing them thrive is really positive.”
Looking Ahead to Future AP Course Growth
Looking ahead, staff hope to expand AP offerings in math and science. Carly Moran, school counselor at NewHope Academy, summed it up by stating:
“Our goal is to offer as many opportunities as we can, in ways that don’t add anxiety or stress. These courses prepare students for college-level academics while allowing them to stay in an environment where they feel safe and supported.”
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