Frequently Asked Questions - Academics and Support Programs

The NMH Learning Skills Program offers both individual support and minor courses to help students achieve academic success. All students are eligible to participate, but the program is geared to helping students with documented learning issues such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or specific learning disabilities. In order to provide the best support for a student with learning differences, it is extremely beneficial that parents provide as much information as possible during the admission process.

To encourage optimal communication, an accommodation form (which includes strengths, challenges, and recommendations) will be written based on the testing and sent to teachers each term.  Accommodations such as extended time can only be provided if such a recommendation is made within current documentation.  Through the program, students may receive support for time management, organization, reading, writing, test preparation, and/or general study skills.  Generally, students meet with a learning specialist once a week, free of charge.  For students who need help in specific courses, the director coordinates a tutoring network, and tutoring fees are charged to the student’s tuition account.

 The school requires that each student participate in a physical education class or an interscholastic sport each term. There is a requirement each year for students to participate on at least one team sport a year (which includes dance and outdoor education).

 The faculty adhere to strict guidelines regarding the amount of homework that can be assigned daily. Based on these guidelines, 9th-grade students should expect to spend at least 2.5 hours on homework per night; those taking honors classes typically find that more time is required. Upperclassmen spend on average 4 hours on homework on a given school night; the load is greater if a student is enrolled in all upper-level and honors classes.

Being able to focus on three subjects at a time allows students to fully invest in their learning in those particular subjects. In addition, they are being well prepared for college academics, as many colleges and universities operate on semester schedules. Especially important to note is the student-to-teacher ratio. As most teachers work with only 30 students in the academic setting (average of 13 students per class), they are able to give each student one-on-one attention in and out of the classroom.

Students find the longer classes more interesting, because they incorporate discussion, in-class projects, simulations, oral presentations, lab sessions, and a myriad of other activities. Our block schedule allows students to be focused on their academic endeavors. NMH students take three major courses for an hour and thirty minutes each day for a semester, along with electives. In an NMH classroom, where the average size is 13, students are unable to passively sit by for a whole class period. Everyone must be engaged and prepared for class each day. Furthermore, the relationship that your child will have with their teacher and peers is far more dynamic due to their time together compared with most schools where kids take five or six forty-five minute classes each day.

Today's college classroom is not a series of forty five minute classes. Students are taking hour-and-a-half to three-hour-long courses two and three times a week. The NMH block schedule prepares your child for these college academic blocks.

See the curriculum guide for specific graduation requirements.