rock was started in 1992, making it the first academy. rock is a freshman-sophomore academy which has a focus on the arts. rock focuses on four large group projects a year that help to nurture an environment for writers, artist, scientist, and problem solvers. the four rock teachers are dr. michael wing (science), mary kitchens (english), paul grifo (social studies), and jasper thelin (art/drama). rock is considered by students to be one of the more difficult frosh-soph programs.