Sheridan’s Northern Hamilton County Academy

By JASON MARER
Guest Columnist

In 2023, the Northern Hamilton County Academy (NHCA) was created in collaboration with Sheridan Community Schools, Hamilton Heights School Corporation, and Westfield Washington Schools. The NHCA is an alternative education program allowing students to complete their education in-person through online coursework while engaging in life skills and work-based learning opportunities.

Former instructional assistant Amy Jozsa said: “Every student who attends the NHCA is there for their own personal reason. Those reasons can range from credit deficiency to suspension. The beauty of this is that it provides students with a place to go to continue working and earning credits to keep them from falling further behind. The ultimate goal is for these students to graduate or return to the high school no longer credit deficient.”

Former lead teacher Jeff Guenther said: “Students who struggled in a traditional classroom have found the smaller inclusive setting to be a positive situation that leads to significantly better academic outcomes. Senior students who were credit deficient are able to make up a lot of credits and complete their graduation requirements.”

In the first three years of operating the program, the NHCA enrolled a total of 96 students from Sheridan, Hamilton Heights, and Westfield. Due to the success and popularity of the program, it was collectively decided that each school would operate its own alternative education program.

“So many of our students come to us at risk of not graduating because they are behind in credits. Many of those students realize this is most likely the last opportunity they will have to get the credits they need for success,” Jozsa said. “Some students come in with a poor attitude because they feel defeated and have no idea how they are going to earn all the credits they need. After a few days at the NHCA, you can start to see the attitudes begin to change. Instead of the classes feeling like an impossible task, it suddenly becomes something doable. As one class is finished, another is added. One class at a time is the path to their success. Successes occur daily at NHCA. Each credit earned is a huge success.”

With the retirement of both Jeff Guenther and Amy Jozsa at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year, the NHCA has two new full-time staff members. These include lead teacher Brett Zachery, and instructional assistant Bev Rumph.

“The NHCA has been a great benefit to the students of Sheridan High School by allowing them to find the right setting for completing their education when they might not otherwise stay in school,” said new lead teacher Brett Zachery. “Students are only in school for a half day and during that time they work through our online platform completing coursework. Some will work on one class for the entire day while others will work on multiple classes; it truly is up to the student to determine what works best for them.”

Of course, the NHCA would not be possible without considerable donations from local organizations and partners. These include the Hamilton County Community Foundation, Lilly Endowment, Hamilton County Community Foundation, Gary Reynolds, Drayer Family, Sonny and Glendia Beck and the Beck Foundation, Godby Home Furnishings and the Godby Family, Tracey Sheehan, Gaylor Electric, Biddle Foundation, and Duke Energy Foundation.

Due to these wonderful donations, the NHCA will continue to thrive for years to come. So far, the NHCA has already enrolled 18 students for the 2026-2027 school year. Two of the five senior students enrolled at the NHCA have already met their graduation requirements. NHCA students have earned over 570 high school credits in just over three school years.

Sheridan Community Schools is incredibly proud of this alternative education program. The NHCA has afforded excellent opportunities to students who sometimes need a non-traditional school setting. The outcomes have been excellent, and Sheridan is appreciative of the community and local support, which has allowed these students to benefit in many ways.

Jason Marer is the assistant principal at Sheridan High School.