TIDE Academy

Our Nucleus class is a four-year sequence designed to support students as they prepare for success in high school, college, and beyond. Each grade level introduces developmentally appropriate activities and lessons that help students grow academically, socially, and personally while exploring future pathways .Nucleus typically meets three times a week: 75 minutes on Monday, 40 minutes on Wednesday, and a Thursday check-in. As part of this structure, 90 minutes are dedicated to Flex Time, during which students use the TeachMore app to schedule appointments with teachers for additional support or to collaborate with peers on projects. 

 

In 9th grade, students focus on building a strong foundation for success. During the first semester, they learn tools for career exploration, management, and computer-based educational planning. They are introduced to coping strategies and organizational skills that support both academics and social life, while also receiving training in technology tools such as G-Suite and email etiquette. Students participate in a dual enrollment course, CSNL 5: Introduction to College Learning, where they create personalized education plans aligned with their academic goals. Through this course, they also learn about Foothill College’s policies, programs, and resources, practice time management and test preparation, and begin clarifying their career and educational pathways. In addition, students work on planner organization, participate in community circles to practice public speaking and build connections, and engage with social-emotional learning through the Wayfinder program, which emphasizes belonging, digital habits, and navigating conflict.

During the second semester, students strengthen their sense of community and belonging. They participate in Academic Collaboration Time, where they build confidence in public speaking, develop problem-solving skills, and receive peer-to-peer academic support. Team-building activities and continued SEL work help students feel motivated, engaged, and prepared to thrive in their high school journey.

 

In 10th grade, the focus shifts to building academic habits and deepening collaboration. During the first semester, students refine their study skills, strengthen their organizational strategies, and continue developing a sense of community in the classroom. In the second semester, they turn toward career exploration through the Roadtrip Nation Project. This project helps students investigate possible career pathways and serves as a bridge to the mentor program they will participate in during 11th grade.

 

The 11th grade experience emphasizes college and career readiness. Students complete summer reading and career interest surveys, then use those insights to begin resume writing, setting SMART goals, and crafting elevator pitches. Throughout the year, they participate in job shadows, mock interviews, and a career fair to gain real-world exposure. They also practice college readiness skills by expanding their vocabulary, understanding GPA calculations through interactive games, and preparing personal insight questions for their college applications. Virtual reality college tours give them an opportunity to explore campuses and build confidence in their postsecondary planning.

 

In 12th grade, the focus is on “adulting,” or preparing for life after high school. Students learn essential life skills such as conflict resolution with roommates, family, and coworkers; an introduction to basic workplace and housing laws; and strategies for managing everyday responsibilities such as budgeting, grocery shopping, and cooking. They also develop financial literacy by learning how to evaluate credit cards, car loans, and other financial decisions.

Alongside these practical skills, students engage in advanced social-emotional learning. They reflect on what makes life purposeful, learn how to build support networks in new environments, and practice decision-making and long-term planning through backwards design. They also strengthen their ability to set healthy boundaries in various relationships and examine the role of personal control in shaping outcomes. By the end of the program, students leave high school with the knowledge, confidence, and resilience to step into adulthood with independence and purpose.