Academy Prep Center (School) Is it a center or school? What do you mean? Insert center drawing here.World/globe, not flat. Round. Where does education lie on this picture? is interesting''one-of-a-kind because it is funded funded from where? how about it is run or operated... completely by donations. Where can academically gifted poverty stricken children go for a better education? How are they determined to be academically gifted? Like Einstein or just driven to be successful? Good student: prepared, studied, participatory, follows rule, respectful, polite, interested, open-minded. Electives should always be offered in school. Which electives? What's the reason to have all these options? 1. well rounded child 2. poor children should not be at such a disadvantage because they are members of society. If we want society to improve, we must til the soil, start from the ground up. old dog v puppy.

Who is selected to attend? When can students apply? Select''ed like a special school? I think of XMen. Eligible?

The Academy Prep acceptance process is similar to applying for a college scholarship, some of us are able to relate and therefore remember the time consuming and thoughtful procedure. I never applied for a college scholarship. I did and don't remember. What's it like? I would put this before payment. Try providing an application.

Fill out application.

Answer questions in each section.

Submit.

The Academy Prep application lists qualifications: “only children entering fifth or sixth grade are allowed to apply, qualify for the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch Program, show from prior standardized testing an average to above average ability, show on an admission test the ability to succeed in a rigorous academic program, demonstrate consistently in actions the character to be a good citizen both of the school community and the of world community, demonstrate a commitment to succeed.” (prep.org)

Following application submittal, the guidance counselor, Anita Wash-Morrow, conducts an interview with the family: parent(s) and prospective student. After that, all submitted material is meticulously examined by the Director of Development, Betsy Draper. If student meets criteria, then the prospective student is invited to attend Academy Prep summer camp. Finally, the prospective student is offered a full scholarship to Academy Prep, if selected at the closing ceremony of camp. Remember, the student and parent accept the scholarship together!

Cash is placed into scholarship slots for students.

Where are students now? What students? Graduates?

Graduates are attending prestigious schools, most with full scholarships, nationwide: Eckerd College, Webber, St. Pete Catholic High School, Jacksonville State University, Admiral Farragut Academy, Berkeley Preparatory School, Naval Academy, University of Florida, Academy of the Holy Names. “95% of Academy Prep Alumni are in high school, college or have started their careers.” (academyprep.org) The first class graduated on May 17, 2007.

What classes are offered? Extra Curricular Activities?

Math, science, social studies, English, Spanish, history, geography, art, drama, music, dance and physical education. Extra curricular activities: chess, tennis, dance, karate, golf, drama, soccer, canoeing and “Owning Up.” Owning Up: YMCA-sponsored project that works with our girls and boys on issues related to their coming adolescence. (academyprep.org)

My main concern: How important are electives? State this in first paragraph.

The importance of electives! Electives make school fun and create an interactive environment. Children learn to share and play fair. Their minds are open to creative possibilities. To start, I do not care about basic academic classes at the schools I examine. My I already know students are learning the basics--math, reading, writing, science, history--and do not wish to dive into that bomb. I want to know how art and elective classes affect children’s lives. Add to first paragraph.

Exploration of Academy Prep Center of Tampa:

Read text book profile of a civic agency.

Choose to explore agency pertaining to children.

Attend Civic Engagement Fair and learn about Junior Achievement and MENTOR: programs benefiting children.

Tell me father about my Civic Fair What is Civic Fair day? day and he responds with, “Well what about Lincoln’s Who is Lincoln? school, Academy Prep?”

Well, what about it? I go online, academyprep.org, and fall in love with That;s deep. Show me the love. the mission statement: “Solid growth and healthy life...represent our community...optimistic future...individual student.” the dots throw me off. (prep.org)

I choose to explore Academy Prep Center Tampa!Obviously. I email my cousin Who is your cousin? and set up an interview. Scheduled? Linked Explored the website? Unwrapped the website like a toddler on Christmas morning? to the Academy Prep home page, I click to read newspaper articles related to the school: Marilyn Brown from Tampa Tribune. What is favorite part of article? Link. I also read the school calendar Link, student newsletter Link , family newsletter Link , and read parental reviews Link. Any negative parent comments?/ What is most positive? to get a feel for the place I am so interested Grr to the word in! I make a list of questions __Irrelevant. remove __while exploring the website.

I wish to have supporting evidence as to what makes Academy Prep beneficial. Don't say you wish to, just keep talking about what makes it so beneficial. Add that Academy Prep is a middle school. To find contrasts, I research middle schools, (Academy Prep is a middle school) both public and private, in my geographical area. Tampa, Florida. To compare, I researched local public and private schools. There are forty three public schools (GoogleMaps), one has only four electives! Monroe Middle School. I am disheartened. So with all the special programs offered at Academy Prep, children--779 Monroe students--are at a great disadvantage. One reason students find refuge in Academy Prep, salvation. What about private, tuition schools? How does Academy Prep compare with local private schools? There are 24 private schools in my geographical Tampa, Florida. area. All have electives. I chose to explore Incarnation Private Catholic School because I am alumni.

I focused in on elective importance and offerings when I discovered that 779 students are deprived of the option. Include in first paragraph.

Why do I have questions about this topic? Add to beginning of paper.

Children affect our future--their education. Perhaps some of us will not raise children, marry, or start a family after college, but just like the Baby Boomers rely on us to ensure their future, we still depend upon generations, younger than you and me.

Incarnation Private Catholic School is located in Tampa, Florida. The Art teacher, Ms. Hand, normally incorporates art history with hands-on experience. Supplies are provided and the budget is small. In an interview with Carolina Goslee, principal, she states, “Ms. Hand asked the students to talk about Van Gogh. All the little hands went up; they talked about his life. Then, Ms. Hand made an art gallery of the children’s Van Gogh reproductions. It was amazing, what everyone could do. Everybody gets art class every week.”

Monroe Middle School is located in Tampa, Florida. Monroe does not offer an art program. I ask if art ever been offered. Guidance counselor, Donna Grace, replies, “The school offered it when they had an art teacher and even then, art was only offered as a sixth grade elective.” What is the reason for removing the art teacher? Grace responds, “More teachers equals more funds. Funds that we do not have.” If they choose to be artists, the school has no program to nurture their growth. I suggest incorporating art into other classes and to develop a wish list of art supplies for parents to frequently donate and create projects from household trash.

Can Academy Prep serve as the gap closer between private and public education? That would be great if it could!

I see electives diminishing in schools. Where do you see?

The importance for well-balanced child. Well balanced meaning more options?

Public schools spend time preparing for standardized tests. Bow to the FCAT altar.

What Academy Prep offers, chess champs. Team placed first in the Region and seventh in the Nation! Place somewhere else and re phrase.

A Range of Views:

Academy Prep’s mind set resembles a Spartan warrior’s mentality, there is no room for weakness, only the strong survive. They are strong enough from living life in street's. These children are already survivors.

Disabled children are not admitted to Academy Prep. How will a child learn compassion if does not see adversity in the flesh?

What happens when a child is willing to be the student you request, but his or her parent(s) do not wish to participate? Is this a fair way to judge criteria for student acceptance?

Only English speaking--first language--children are accepted. Low income families positively correlate with minority groups Link. . What is the benefit of leaving Latin, Asian and Indian speaking children in the streets of English speaking America without being able to speak English? There is no benefit.

Academy Prep is beneficial for the community In what ways? . Students have mandatory community service trips. What's community service? It's is important to give back in more ways than acing a report card. With all they give, they still give more. These are super children. There are smart kids in poor neighborhoods. Move.

Barack Obama stated, “We have done scientific research to show that children who learn music do better in math. Kids whose imaginations are sparked by the arts are more engaged in school. Kids who have physical education are more able to pay attention in the classroom. These things aren’t just extras, they are part of a well rounded education.” (Campaign) Academy Prep offers electives for a necessary well rounded and balanced education.

Class should be more than digesting material and throwing it up on exam day.

John McCain believes in, “The ability of all students to access schools of demonstrated excellence, including home. We cannot eliminate options if we wish to keep up with the industrialized world. If school is not changing, students change schools: parents choice.” (Campaign) This type of parental support and involvement is a cornerstone of Academy Prep. Exchange time for tuition.

Academy Prep is effective, constructive, and encouraging home-away-from-home schooling, family. Home away from home? This place is awesome! Does college-life ever feel like family? Perhaps USF can resemble home in a club, sport, fraternity or sorority. I want to know more! Confusing.

What I want to learn about Academy Prep. Didn't you already learn this? Task complete.

Are teachers qualified? Teachers, wow.

The Head of School, Lincoln J. Tamayo, received his B.A. degree from the university of Notre Dame, his J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law, and his Master’s from Harvard University. Ted McNair teaches history, karate and chess, is a 21-year veteran of the air force, holds a Bachelor and Master’s in Education, is a sixth-degree black-belt former World Karate Champion. I am impressed. The boy’s history teacher, Mr. Ibanez, holds a Master’s in Education. The girl’s science teacher, Nydia Nelson, holds a Master’s in Education. The boy’s math teacher holds a Master’s in Education. The guidance counselor, Anita, holds a Master’s in Social Work. Respectable. The Director of Development, Ms. Draper, holds a Master’s in Education. Drama teacher, Mrs. Gard, continues to pursue her Master’s in School Counseling, the receptionist has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, the girl’s English teacher, Cristina, holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish, the Volunteer Coordinator holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Notre Dame University.

How can I contribute to the Academy? Put with volunteer "payment."

Scholarship $14,500 year, one student. Pays for what? Volunteer time: chaperone, tutoring, plan events, check-out and return library books, assist teacher’s in academic classes and extracurricular activities, and design activities to address specific learning needs.

My favorite Academy. Title?

Students clean own--school--for one hour every day.

School days are long, 11 hours, starting at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m.

Students tutoring sessions for one hour after school. Extra hour added for bad grade.

Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks--juice and water--are provided daily. Include in payment from business;s.

Uniforms! Options are green or white polo with navy pants, shorts, or knee-length skirt. Academy Prep students said, “I don’t like uniforms because I would rather wear jeans.” (Kim, eighth grade student) “I like uniforms because we are all dressed the same.” (Christine, eight grade student) “I like uniforms because the Academy Prep symbol is awesome!” (Preston, sixth grade student) I would like to investigate pros and cons of uniforms in the future. Next assignment?

Careful attention is given to the selection of students and staff. Nah.

Teachers can live, on-campus. Where? Who? Apartments? Furnished? Pay monthly?

Classes are small with 15 students in each. More interactive. Classroom is a living laboratory.

Boys and girls are educated separately during the school day. No love note passing.

Students who are not on the honor roll attend a supervised study hall in the evenings. Already covered.

Wide range of electives are mandatory: art, drama, music, dance and physical education. Woo Hoo!

A school like this could have benefited some of us when we went through middle school. A school like this can only be beneficial. Academy Prep shines.