Contributed by Garland Walton, DOMUS chief of staff:
On Wednesday, June 17, 2015, Domus Academy celebrated its fifth graduating class since opening in 2010 as a small, supportive middle school program for struggling New Haven middle schoolers.
A program of the NHPS, Domus Academy is operated by Domus, a Stamford nonprofit that works with vulnerable children with the goal of creating the conditions and opportunities necessary for them to get on a path toward health and achievement so they can engage and succeed in school and ultimately, have satisfying and productive lives. Small class sizes of around seven students per classroom; family advocates who help with behavior, social/emotional growth, and attendance; and a rigorous academic program tailored to each child’s needs and strengths enable students to make significant progress from their entry point into the school.
Says Juanita Stafford-Hill, mother of graduate James Neely III, about Domus Academy: “I didn’t think he was going to make it. He had such…a lot of anger in him, behavior issues, he felt no one cared…he gave up. When he came [to Domus Academy], he didn’t want to get suspended from school: He wanted the education, but he just needed some help. He needed the teachers to understand him instead of just saying ‘go home.’ I’m glad I brought him here…I would recommend any kid who’s having trouble in a regular school and teachers who don’t understand him to come here, where they can get time out, feel like someone cares about them, feel like someone’s listening…they need somebody to hear them.”
I wonder how many students were Counsel out?