The Newcomer Academy

  • The Newcomer Academy is located at the Newbury Park High School campus. The academy started during the 2021-2022 school year and it is open to all newcomer students who reside within the Conejo Valley Unified School’s District’s boundaries. A newcomer student is an English Learner who is currently enrolled in a United States school within the last two years and is at the emerging stage of English proficiency.

How Students are Identified, Informed and Enrolled

    • A newcomer student is a student who has been in the U.S. 2 years or less and is at Level 1 (Beginning) in learning English
    • Information flyers highlighting the benefits of enrolling in the Newcomer Academy are provided to the student and their parents/guardians upon enrollment in their neighborhood high school
    • The High School Counselor and Academy Social Worker meet with family to talk about the Newcomer resources, supports and services
    • Families can opt-in to the Newcomer Academy
    • Students at Westlake High School and Thousand Oaks High School who opt-in to Academy are provided with free transportation
    • Students can return to their neighborhood school after 2 years in the Academy, or are welcome to remain at Newbury Park High School after if they choose
    • Continuous enrollment possible throughout the year
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  • Flyer

  • Newcomer

  • Centralized services and supports to maximize resources for students and families

    • Smaller class sizes
    • Specific scheduling cohorts
    • Bilingual teachers and paraeducators
    • Bilingual Social Worker
    • Community outreach and resources (e.g. housing, medical, food)
    • Targeted interventions
    • Targeted presentations and trainings
    • Focus on “wrap around” with students and families - beyond academics
    • Integrated supports in non-ELD required courses
    • Free transportation for Westlake and Thousand Oaks High School students.

    The Newcomer Academy allows for reduced graduation credits for those newly arrived to U.S. as juniors and seniors or a 5th year of high school.