NAF Recognizes High School Finance Program

New Bedford High School Finance Academy nationally recognized as a ‘Distinguished’ program
Posted on 04/03/2020
New Bedford High School Finance Academy nationally recognized as a ‘Distinguished’ program

New Bedford High School Finance Academy nationally recognized as a ‘Distinguished’ Program

National Academy Foundation Recognizes High School Finance Program

New Bedford High School’s Academy of Finance, affiliated with the National Academy Foundation (NAF) has been officially designated as a distinguished national high school program.  The announcement was made in a press release issued by the organization, which stated in part that ‘Distinguished’ status denotes the program is at “Model Level for Delivering High-Quality Educational Experiences for High School Students.” The designation was determined based on a visit to NBHS by NAF officials during which they interviewed school stakeholders, reviewed documentation, and observed classes.

Mayor Jon Mitchell noted, “New Bedford High’s recognition as a distinguished finance program is a testament to the hard work of the school’s staff and students, and validates New Bedford High’s status as the best choice for students to prepare for college and the workforce. Programs such as the Finance Academy will prepare graduates by equipping them with the skills they need for the future in an ever-changing world.”

Superintendent Thomas Anderson stated “This recognition underscores the high quality work being done at New Bedford High School; it’s more evidence of the increased learning opportunities and upward trajectory of the school. We are living through very challenging times and this demonstrates how critically important these learning environments have become.”

“I am pleased that our Academy of Finance has been recognized as distinguished, a milestone that was made possible through the work of our outstanding teachers, students and finance industry partners”, said Bernadette Coelho, Headmaster of New Bedford High School.  “This distinction underscores why we consider New Bedford High School a flagship high school for the National Academy Foundation, and we appreciate their recognition of the work that we are doing on behalf of our students and community.”

The distinguished level represents the highest level of achievement for a NAF academy. 

“Our recent NAF site visit provided the opportunity for the Finance Academy to showcase their outstanding work and best practices”, said Chris Cummings, manager of CVTE programs, noting that teachers from all areas met with NAF officials to discuss how they collaborate with the finance academy staff to develop and implement projects across multiple disciplines.  “The evaluators were impressed with how financial instruction is integrated throughout the curriculum”, he added. 

One of the criteria in determination of a distinguished NAF program is an active advisory committee comprised of industry representatives and post-secondary faculty.   During the visit, members representing multiple South Coast financial institutions shared how they engaged with staff and students, providing curriculum guidance and internship opportunities.

New Bedford High School’s Finance Academy, affiliated with the National Academy Foundation, is part of the school’s offerings of Career Vocational Technical Education programming.  In addition to Finance, the school offers career pathway programs in Business, Hospitality, Instructional Technology, Health Sciences, Engineering, Early Childhood Education, and Criminal Justice.  For more information about Career and Technical Education at New Bedford High School, please contact Christopher Cummings, Manager of CVTE at 508 997 4511, ext. 20799.