Owen O’Brien’s journey to New England Innovation Academy (NEIA) was anything but traditional. As a ninth grader, he found himself searching for the right high school—one that would challenge him, support his unique learning style, and allow him to explore his passions. When his family first heard about NEIA, the school was just beginning. There wasn’t even a fully constructed campus yet, just an idea and a vision for the future. But something about NEIA stood out to Owen. Unlike traditional schools where students followed a very specific academic path, NEIA promised an education built around student interests, innovation, and real-world application.
The decision to enroll was not without risk. Owen had attended a private school before, where he felt boxed into a traditional education model that didn’t align with how he learned best. “I wanted to have a say in my education,” Owen recalled. “I wanted to be more experiential. I wanted to follow my own passions. I didn’t want to sit in cookie-cutter classes every day, all day.”
From the moment he stepped onto campus Owen felt something different. His first introduction to the NEIA community was a unique “Loop Tour,” where he and his family drove around the campus, stopping to talk to staff members who were stationed at different points along the way. Even though the school wasn’t fully built, the enthusiasm and dedication of the faculty made a lasting impression. “It was more of the vibe and the fact that they, even without a building and without anything, still tried to get people there and engage them in person,” Owen said. “That was a huge draw for me.”
Once at NEIA, Owen found himself learning in a whole new way. His classes were no longer just about memorizing facts or preparing for tests. Instead, he was encouraged to think critically, collaborate with peers, and pursue projects that actually mattered to him and his future. The relationship between students and teachers was also something completely different from what he had experienced before. “I get to build my own repertoire with my teachers and really build a connection there,” he said. “That sense of, ‘If I go here, I’ll be able to follow my passions with the help of them’—that was huge.”
One of the biggest adjustments in his early days at NEIA was adapting to a curriculum that didn’t rely on traditional grading systems. Instead, learning was competency-based, allowing students to accelerate and succeed at their own pace. At first, the transition was challenging, but over time, Owen saw the benefits. “It was a hard adjustment at first,” he admitted. “But I definitely enjoyed it.”
NEIA’s emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning proved to be a perfect fit for Owen. He found himself thriving in Innovation Studio classes, where students tackled real-world problems and developed creative solutions. One of his most memorable experiences was helping to plan and execute NEIA’s annual gala, a large-scale event that required leadership, organization, and design skills. The experience sparked an interest in engineering and design, leading Owen to co-found a business, something he never imagined himself doing before coming to NEIA.
Beyond academics, Owen found a second family in the NEIA boarding community. Moving away from home for the first time was scary, but the friendships he formed made it worth it. “The boarding community is like my family now,” he said. “These are the people I’ve shared so many experiences, so many memories with.”
Over the years, Owen watched NEIA grow and evolve, and he played a role in shaping its identity. His class was the first to experience the school’s unique orientation trip, which was both a bonding experience and a test of resilience. “It was crazy,” he laughed, recalling the outdoor adventure that included trekking through the woods barefoot and carrying logs through the mud. “But it brought us closer together as friends.”
Reflecting on his time at NEIA, Owen knows he made the right decision. “If I could tell myself something from year one, I’d say every year gets better, so don’t lose faith.” Despite the early challenges of being in a brand-new school, he stuck it out because he believed in NEIA’s mission. Now, as a 12th grader, he is more than happy that he chose to come here. “NEIA has supported me in co-founding a business, pursuing my passion for design, and taking on leadership roles,” he said. “If someone had told me before I committed to NEIA all the things I would accomplish here, I would have said, ‘That exceeds my expectations.’”
As he prepares to graduate, Owen is focused on making the most of his remaining time. “I just want to go out having fun, spending as much time as I can with the people who have been on this journey with me,” he said. He’s also leaving a legacy for future students, showing them that NEIA is a place where they can shape their own education and future. “This school isn’t for everyone,” he admitted. “But for those who embrace it, it’s life-changing.”
For Owen, NEIA was more than just a school—it was the place that allowed him to grow, explore, and create his own journey based on his passions. And now, as he looks ahead, he will bring with him the skills, confidence, and passion and purpose that NEIA helped him discover.
