WOODBURY — Entering high school can be a nerve-wracking experience. The biggest concern for most students is enjoying their classes, navigating school, and the relationships with their peers. But what is the experience like for students who transferred into Nonnewaug after their freshman year?

Some students transfer into Nonnewaug based on positive reviews from older siblings.

“I transferred here for a couple of reasons,” says sophomore Luke Lodice, who attended Oxford High School as a freshman. “My sister [Gianna] just graduated from here and she had a good experience. I didn’t like Oxford High School that much so I talked to Mr. [Declan] Curtin and Mrs. [Deb] Flaherty at the Berkshire League banquet. I realized it would be a better experience at this school for academics and sports.”

The most popular part of Nonnewaug is the ag program, whether you’re in or out of region most students find it to be an intriguing experience during school. 

“The ag classes are good and I enjoy getting outside of the classroom and doing things I wouldn’t be able to in a public school,” Lodice says. “ I didn’t have to catch up on anything, I was able to hop right in with everyone and get filled in by the awesome supportive staff”

Agriculture, sports, and positive feedback from family and friends are all reasons students decide to transfer to Nonnewaug, but what about the students who had to transfer due to moving or family? 

Junior Michael Sullivan transferred into Nonnewaug after moving from Wills Point, Texas, a small town east of Dallas. 

“I was most scared of how people would treat me,” says Sullivan. “In reality, the other students warmly welcomed me. The atmosphere is extremely different compared to Texas schools and the culture is different here.” 

Along with the ag program, Nonnewaug offers many clubs and more than two dozen sports for students, including Unified Sports.

“Mr. [Conor] Gereg and Mr. [John] Dominello runs Unified Sports; it is engaging and very fun,” says sophomore Chris Engle. “The teachers make it so people with challenges are able to participate while having fun and everyone is included. There’s volleyball and basketball. There’s no winning; they keep score but it doesn’t really matter.”