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Honors Experience

At Norwich Free Academy, honors is not a program students enter. It is a path they grow into. Grounded in our Portrait of a Graduate, we believe excellence reflects both achievement and character, and that readiness is demonstrated through curiosity, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace challenge.

Ninth-grade honors placement is based on multiple measures, including academic aptitude, consistent classroom performance, and a student's desire to pursue rigorous coursework. Incoming ninth-grade students who successfully complete Algebra I or Spanish I in middle school may also earn high school credit at NFA by completing the required coursework and demonstrating mastery on an NFA end-of-term examination.

From there, students shape their own honors experience through challenging academics, meaningful opportunities, and increasing independence. Honors learning at NFA encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and sustained effort, while ensuring every student is challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

A classroom full of students during a discussion at the 9th grade honors summer symposium
Students interacting during the 9th grade honors summer symposium
Students in the 9th grade honors symposium gather for an art lecture during the summer symposium
A student works at the whiteboard during the 9th grade honors summer symposium

Your Honors Journey

The honors experience at Norwich Free Academy is shaped by the opportunities students choose to pursue. From advanced coursework and interdisciplinary learning to leadership, service, and enrichment, students can personalize their experience in ways that reflect their interests, strengths, and aspirations. The opportunities below represent some of the many ways students can engage in honors learning at NFA.