On Thursday, Jan. 21, at 6 p.m., Freeport High School will host an open house for all incoming freshmen. We invite you and any interested students to join us and learn how Freeport High School students embrace the challenges of the future and contribute to the traditions of the past.

Freeport High School offers all students an experience characterized by personalized academic learning with incredible experiences in the arts and athletics. In the fall of 2017, when renovations are completed, Freeport High School will offer students a state-of-the-art facility. We invite you to join us and learn what becoming a Freeport High Falcon is all about.

Freeport High School has an exceptional faculty focused on supporting student growth. The faculty has a wide range of experience and 70 percent hold a master’s degree or above. All work collaboratively to ensure a rigorous course of study. Freeport High School’s curriculum is structured to provide rich content and skill development in the main content areas, while permitting students to investigate other areas of interest through the many visual and performing arts, social science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) electives.

A major element of each course is performance-based assessment where students are required to demonstrate complex thinking. We believe that pushing students to develop higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills will prepare our graduates to be career or college and citizenship ready. Our students are accepted at the finest colleges and universities. Recent acceptances include West Point, MIT, Yale, Vassar, Bowdoin, Colby, University of Michigan, University of Virginia and St. Lawrence, to name a few. Our faculty will challenge you and our guidance staff will help you realize your dreams.

We know that every one of our students has talents just waiting to be explored. Freeport High School is committed to enriching student life through the arts. FHS offers rich opportunities to experience courses and extra-curricular experiences in music, visual arts and theater. Through these activities students investigate passions and grow as artists. Freeport High has over 20 clubs that engage students in civic and social awareness, peer mentoring and community service. Students are provided leadership opportunities through student council and are provided a voice in school issues through a student summit. Whether you are interested in joining the Latin Club, Math Team or our newly formed GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science) there are fabulous opportunities to explore your interests and develop your strengths.

Freeport High School offers athletes numerous opportunities to shine. We offer 19 sports, most at the varsity and junior varsity level. We participate in the Western Maine Conference and compete against area schools such as Yarmouth and Cape Elizabeth. This past fall our boys cross country team repeated as state champions and our girls field hockey and boys soccer teams competed in the postseason. Students who participate in extra-curricular activities not only learn how to be part of a team, but also have the opportunity to garner Western Conference and state recognition. Students who participate in arts and athletics typically perform better in school and reap the benefits of strong peer and adult relationships.

Finally, there are incredible opportunities to tailor your academic experience. Students are encouraged to pursue non-traditional experiences and design a program that meets their needs. Our guidance department will help students achieve through online coursework, advanced placement courses, college courses or independent study and mentorship opportunities. Also, Freeport High provides students a wide range of career and technical opportunities at Region 10 in Brunswick. Freeport High School offers every student a personalized experience where you chart your course.

We hope you will join us to learn more about what Freeport High School has to offer in terms of academics, arts and athletics. You will meet the finest students, dedicated faculty and staff and hear about Falcon Pride. It’s a great time to become a Falcon.

Brian Campbell is the principal of Freeport High School. Jen Gulko is the assistant principal.