Metropolitan Business Academy

At many high schools, students have a sense of community on the first day of classes because most attended elementary and middle school with their fellow students.

Since Metropolitan Business Academy is a magnet school, the 350 students who attend come from all across the city, as well as from several other towns throughout the region. Therefore, they are far less connected on Day 1 than their peers in traditional high schools.

Published in The New Haven Register, Sunday, November 13, 2011
By Steve Higgins, Special to the Register

“The district asked us to help address the availability and quality of a range of wraparound services” Bohen said. “We’re looking at extended learning opportunities, behavioral health, physical health and family support and engagement — all the things we know have a huge impact on student achievement.”

Published in the New Haven Reigster on Sunday, May 22, 2011
By Steve Higgins, Special to the Register

A 16-year-old New Haven girl whose father had been in prison for many years began missing too many school days at Metropolitan Business Academy this year. She had to take care of her mother and younger sister, and it became overwhelming.

But her attendance has increased significantly since this spring, when she was placed in a program designed to engage students who demonstrated a need for a more personalized learning environment, according to Nisha Sajnani, director of the Drama Therapy, Community Health and Prevention program at the Foundation for the Arts and Trauma.  “She likes the class, and that really makes a difference,” said Sajnani.