A Waterford High School classroom ranges from 30 students sitting elbow-to-elbow to 10 students scattered around the room. Now, the numbers have a chance to even out. Students from the district towns of Norwich, Bozrah, and Franklin are now eligible for education at Waterford High School. This opportunity applies to the incoming freshman class and the classes behind them. 

This idea was imposed by Waterford’s Superintendent, Thomas Giard. The educational faculty of Waterford predicted the long-term enrollment numbers of the district schools, discovering that the classes naturally get smaller and smaller each year. Considering the large space for the elementary, middle, and high school of Waterford; town officials were seeking for a way to keep the student numbers stable. Considering the situation from Mr. Hauser, he says, “If our school gets too small, we don’t need as many teachers,” he claims, “and if we don’t have as many teachers, then we don’t maintain the ability to offer the courses we have now.” A major accomplishment of Waterford High School is the fact that it offers a vast selection of courses for all interests. Other Connecticut high schools focus on the region of one subject: Marine Biology, Auto-Mechanics, Engineering, etc. Waterford offers all of those subjects. 

After reaching out to several schools with this offer to accept tuition students: Norwich; Bozrah; and Franklin agreed to the enrollment. As of the 2019-20 school year, five Norwich students enrolled in the freshman class. FWhile most students who live in Norwich automatically enroll at Norwich Free Academy, there isn’t a public high school in Norwich. Same goes for Bozrah and Franklin.  Waterford offers courses and extracurriculars for everyone’s liking, along with outside opportunities for those students in the form of internships in those specified subjects.

Outside of education, a major priority is the community. Waterford is known for its friendly and welcoming students. Mrs. Moger is a strong advocate for her students. “You guys are nice kids,” states Moger, “you hardly see any ‘bullying’ towards random people, the most we see is issues with friends.” The main concern for new students is the ability to enter a new environment and make new friends. The principals of WHS are confident that their students can welcome new students with open arms. The new students are being treated as if they have been Lancers their whole lives.

 This system is evidently working very well for the new students, teachers, administration, and the familiar faces of Lancer Nation; administration reports that the new students are adapting well. This new program is predicted to improve and become more substantial to the Waterford community for future WHS students.