Photos: Brookfield Academy Students Head Back to Class

opened its doors Tuesday to welcome 886 students registered for the 2011-'12 school year. The private independent academy, which focuses on college preparation, enrolls pre-kindergarten to 12th grade students.

Separate orientations for each level kicked off the first day of school. Upper level (grades 9-12) students assembled in the gym for a business-like brief. Lower levels (grades K-5) were challenged with a "New Things" treasure hunt or encourged to take on turtle-like characteristics such as moving slowing through the hallways and taking risks.

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As the new school year begins, here's a at Brookfield Academy last May.