In an effort to give older students more responsibility and freedom, as well as a taste of a work environment, juniors and seniors at ASD spend their study halls not in a silent classroom, but in the junior-senior area.

This area, at one end of the building, has offices for monitoring teachers, offices for seniors and a central area with tables for juniors. Students spend study hall, homeroom and time between classes in this area.

Instead of lockers, juniors are assigned a filing cabinet; seniors, in groups of four or five, are assigned offices. This functions as a place to store school supplies as well as a place to study, hang out and eat lunch. The space is both social and studious.

"The best part about the Jr/Sr area is that it’s a peaceful place where you can be productive or spend time bonding with friends. I like that it can be both," senior Catherine Wang wrote in an email.

This space also creates a collaborative environment, rather than the strict silence of a study hall. Senior Jack Michaud lauded the ability to work with other people, especially those not in his grade.

"I helped someone with a Java problem because I heard they were having trouble from over my office walls," Michaud said.

Seniors are not the only students who enjoy the freedom to work together.

"The best part is definitely the ability to collaborate on projects," said junior Fiona Doyle. "In regular studies you are required to stay silent, but back there it is so much easier to work together or ask for help."

For a school that encourages group projects and collaborative learning, the junior-senior area is a great asset. Seniors are close to their advisors for help on college applications and senior projects. Offices provide seniors with a sense of freedom and a close-knit group to work with.

Senior Anthony Edvalson said of the offices, "They’re awesome! Great for making friends and having an area that you own. It’s a bit like having a dorm."

The area does not come without its downfalls. Nearly every student said the worst aspect was the noise at times.

Overall, though, the juniors and seniors appreciate the freedom and responsibility that comes with the junior-senior area and the flexibility it affords students when working together.

Samantha Harper is a senior at the Academy for Science and Design in Nashua.