WFSB 3 Connecticut

NEW BRITAIN, CT (WFSB) – A new school that launched this month in New Britain is aiming to help struggling students make the grade.

For some students, the classroom can be a daunting place. And now those students have a chance to thrive inside of the New Britain High School Satellite Careers Academy.

“I was always very aware of the students that were slipping through the cracks,” said Principal Michael Foran.

He served as the principal of New Britain High School for eight years before volunteering to spearhead the project.

With New Britain’s high school graduation rate just over 70 percent, officials wanted to create a school that could get students in need of help back on track.

“Those students I believe had ability, can succeed, and have great potential. But we just had a structure that didn’t work with every single kid,” Foran said.

Josh Mercado is one of the 152 students accepted into the academy.

Every student must apply, proving that they understand the importance of having the chance to be part of the program.

“I see it as an opportunity to graduate on time, and continue on with my career,” Mercado said, adding that he was falling behind but now that is all in the past and he is focused on his future.

“My dream is to become a politician and try to become the mayor of Hartford one day,” Mercado added.

Foran said that what makes this academy different from a traditional school is relationships.

“The recipe for success is relationships,” Foran said.