Forty-three eighth-graders from Wareham Middle School are getting a year-long head start on high school, and so far, the results have been positive.

After undergoing a rigorous and lengthy acceptance process, the group is involved in the new dual-enrollment program, which allows motivated middle school students to take high school classes.

“These kids aren't here by accident,” said Wareham High School Principal Scott Palladino on Friday afternoon before the middle school students returned to their school for the day. “They’re motivated and focused—and we had over 80 applicants.”

Deb Freitas, assistant principal at Wareham High, said she and others started planning the two-school program three years ago.

“We realized the need to elevate the level of instruction,” said Freitas. “One of the things that struck me was this urgency to have our students and their parents understand how important it is to challenge our students.”

Freitas said that, by being exposed to more difficult courses at a younger age, students will be more prepared for college.

So far, students have responded well to the new program.

“It’s fun and it’s challenging,” said eighth-grader Vyper Latulippe. “We get to see all the high schoolers, but then we get to see our friends at the middle school.”

In the morning at the high school, the eighth-graders take freshman level math, English, science, and history courses, taking two per day and alternating each day. They then return to the middle school in the afternoon.

“It’s definitely a lot different,” said eighth grader Kylie Decas, “And it’s a wide variety of classes.”

“It’s a motivated group of kids,” said Freitas. “I think is going really well.”

Freitas said they’re not differentiating any instruction for the middle schoolers, and that the younger students are held to the same expectations as their high school counterparts.

“We understand that these kids are young, but there are no extra allowances,” she said. “We are certainly aware that we need to have a close watch on those kids. We make sure they are supported in the best way possible.”

That includes having administrators meet with teachers each week to get a pulse on how things are going and to see if any specific areas need attention.

“So far, we’ve had good news from the teachers," said Freitas. "Kids were doing very well in the classes and certainly holding their own, if not outshining the ninth-graders.”

The students also have a weekly meeting with Palladino to address any concerns, and the students have a short advisory period, as well.

“Our hope is that in two years from now, as juniors, these kids will be taking AP classes or higher level math and science classes,” said Freitas, adding that these students will also be eligible for a new dual-enrollment program involving a small group of Wareham High students who are now taking college-level classes at Bridgewater State University.

Middle school Principal Dan Minkle said the program has also had a semi-unexpected outcome.

“Not only are our students in the program being exposed to a high school environment, and being challenged academically, but they have begun to meld as a group. Through their shared experience, they’ve begun to gain an identity that is both positive and affirming.”