Epitome Education Hypothesis

Academy Prep Essay

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to explore a nonprofit organization in my area and report findings to classmates and professor based on extensive research and acquired knowledge, to achieve the investigation, maintain a neutral focus, and examine what creates a center of learning par excellence. To paraphrase the inquiry, how does Academy Prep Revolutionize Conventional Schooling?

The terms of reference for this paper highlight three topics:

• Creating a productive environment,
• Fresh system,
• What is done to permit this to happen?

A Fresh Schooling System

Before exploring the state-of-the-art educational institution, we must share the meaning of education. After all, we'll be snapping photos of our child's first day of school soon enough. Furthermore, our professor already has.

1. What do we mean by education?

We are all in college, so agreeing on the definition of education as, "The process of acquiring general knowledge and developing the powers of reasoning and judgment,” is simple. (Webster’s Universal College Dictionary)

Years of schooling primed us to solve basic mathematical equations, construct a grammatical sentence, compete in a spelling bee, identify families within the periodic table of elements, email teachers and type without looking at the keyboard, wait patiently in a lunch line, recite the alphabet, dribble a basketball, socialize, order a parking decal, identify the seven continents on a map, analyze Shakespeare, draw Presidential candidates, and dissect a preserved eyeball.

Our schooling has lead us through a world of vast comprehension, converging in our current collective "college student" status. Albert Einstein said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning.” To ensure future children’s education, we will investigate the most effective way to learn, acquire knowledge, and teach: reinforce thinking and discernment, and 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.

2.This is no ordinary school, don’t let the door hit you on the way out!

As a punishment for “acting out,” public school children are sent to detention, serve either an in-school suspension, serve out-of-school suspension, pick of trash on weekends, clean up the lunch room after breakfast and lunch, and when the severity if an incident is alarming or against the law, the atrocious student will be expelled. As a punishment for “acting out,” private school children are sent to detention, receive a punishment slip to be signed and returned by a parent, must sit in the office until the day ends, or a parent is called to pick the rowdy student up. As a punishment for “acting out,” Academy Prep students are kicked out, no questions asked, and the school does not have to answer to anyone. There are no second chances because the children are taught to be responsible for their actions, in term, living with a consequence. Academy Prep students must long to be there and portray the drive to excel; it is their only chance at a well-rounded education to prepare them for greater success in educational and societal endeavors. Academy Prep’s mind set resembles a Spartan warrior’s mentality, there is no room for weakness, only the strong survive.

3.I thought college admissions were the most...difficult?

Preceding qualifications must be met to apply. First, only children entering fifth or sixth grade are allowed to apply, to secure a full benefit from the middle school program. Second, the student must qualify for the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch Program. Third, the ability to fit into and contribute to the framework of the school community. Fourth and last, English-speaking and not disabled.

The application process starts with a parent or student contacting Academy Prep to request an application; the seventeen page application is filled out and turned in, as well as transcripts from previous school. Next, the guidance counselor, Anita Wash-Morrow, conducts an interview with the family: parent(s) and prospective student. Then, the prospective student is administered an admissions test. After that, all submitted material is meticulously examined by the Director of Development, Betsy Draper, run by the Head of School, Lincoln J. Tamayo, and the prospective student is invited to attend, yet, another critical assessment, also known as summer camp where students can demonstrates good character and citizenship through consistent actions and show a commitment to succeed. Finally, if selected at the closing ceremony of camp, the prospective student is offered a full scholarship to Academy Prep.

4. Yes, Grant Accepted! Now what?

Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks--juice and water--are provided daily. Uniforms options are green or white polo with navy pants, shorts, or knee-length skirt. “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)

Students undergo a rigorous academic program including math, science, social studies, reading, writing, language, art, drama, dance and physical education. Boys and girls are educated separately during the school day for a full college preparatory curriculum. Students alternate between cleaning the school and attending tutoring sessions from Monday through Friday for one hour after school. After cleaning, students attend required after-school activities: drama, chess, karate, etc. Students who are not on the honor roll attend a supervised study hall in the evenings Monday through Thursday. Six school days are long, 11 hours, starting at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m.

5. Were our middle school teachers this novel and accomplished?

Careful attention is given to the selection of students. Therefore, it is given to the staff. Academy Prep teachers are creative, helpful, and well schooled. 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, led the chess team to first in the region at the 2007 West Regional Chess Championship at Mendenhall Middle School, and claimed second prize in the coaches division, a tripod-gold trophy. 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. 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.

Academy Prep teachers are at the forefront of educational practices. The learning environment is able to transform when bona fide scholars team up with avid students. The passion for teaching and learning pours out within these classrooms like the waters of Niagara Falls. There is a clear desire to teach and a clear desire to learn.

My middle school receptionist didn’t graduate from high school.

Academy Prep revolutionizes conventional schooling because of its my way or the highway attitude; the main road to one’s own development and success.

Bringing a productive environment into existence.

1. Solid Facts.

“The 2 campuses in St. Petersburg and Tampa and the Graduate Support Program are sustained through the support of the Academy Prep Foundation.” (academyprep.org)

“The Academy Prep Foundation Incorporated was established in 1996, is responsible for replicating Academy Prep Centers, overseeing Center and Graduate Support operations, and serving as a funding vehicle for the Centers and Graduate Support program. The Foundation is the custodian of all unrestricted and restricted funds for the benefit of the Centers, the Graduate Support Programs and the Foundation. The Centers operate according to an annual budget, and distributions are made from the Foundation to the Centers on a quarterly basis. Unrestricted contributions may be used to fund the operations of the Centers and the Foundation, and to replicate additional Centers.” (academyprep.org)

“The Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg began in 1997 with boys in grades 5 and 6, and in the summer of 2000, on the success of the program for boys, launched its program for girls beginning with grade 5. The St. Petersburg program now serves boys and girls in grades 5 through 8 and currently supports graduates in high schools and colleges locally and around the nation.” (academyprep.org)

“The Academy Prep Center of Tampa opened in the summer of 2003 to boys and girls in grade 5. A new grade was added each year and the school now hosts boys and girls in grades 5 through 8. The Tampa campus graduated its first class in the spring of 2007 and continues to provide support to graduates in grades 9 through 12.” (academyprep.org)

“Academy Prep’s Graduate Support Program will support our students for their 4 years on campus, and is committed to helping our graduates earn full scholarships for college prep high schools and four year universities. We are dedicated to staying with our graduates, never losing sight of them and providing direct assistance throughout their educational careers.” (academyprep.org)

“The Academy Foundation, Inc. (now known as Academy Prep Foundation, Inc.), was established in 1996 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, doing business as Academy Prep Center for Education.” (academyprep.org)

“In May 2000 four additional 501(c)(3) organizations were established to operate as affiliated entities of Academy Prep Foundation, Inc. These organizations are Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg, Inc.; Academy Prep Center of Tampa, Inc.; and two others for future centers.” (academyprep.org)

2. Commitment is reciprocated.

Maintaining academic excellence requires unwavering parental support and continual communication between parents and teachers, regarding student status. In order words, parents are expected to volunteer their time--3 hours or more a week--into the program through chaperoning field trips, washing uniforms, assisting teachers, working the breakfast and lunch lines, and planning events. These low-income families must exchange time for a luxurious education: Academy Prep secures scholarship to support student tuition while attending, assists in High School and College advancement. Sparse contribution is grounds for dismissal. In addition, parents must provide transportation--car, bike, walk, bus, cab--to and from school.

Students ride the city bus to school--Hartline Bus number 15--and a few live close enough to walk. “My Dad walks me to school every morning because my Mom uses the car for work and then my Dad takes my brother to school on the bus.” Vanessa’s mother works the graveyard shift. Academy Prep sits on 1.9 acres of land, on the corner of Avenida Republica de Cuba and East Columbus Drive, in the heart of Ybor City, and is neighbor to a dry cleaner, thrift shop and Cuban bakery.

3. The heart of a volunteer consists of diamonds and butterflies.

Volunteering can be hands-on through a donation of time and experience, or volunteering can be strictly financial.

Individuals can support--financially--Academy Prep by paying to attend special events, writing checks, paying with credit cards, establishing trusts, allotting a specific amount to be withdrawn every month through an electronic transfer, assigning life insurance policies, and by naming the school as a beneficiary in a will.

Businesses provide funds toward financial scholarships, sponsor events, underwrite programs and provide capital, making them eligible for tax refunds, for facilities. A brief listing of businesses: Blimpie, Burger King, Dollar General, Home Shopping Network, Progress Energy, Southern Wine and Spirits, and Subway. The Bank of America, The Columbia Restaurant and Raymond James Financial are classified as capital contributors.

Every contribution builds to something greater. Volunteers keep students focused during study hall, manage special events, chaperone community service field trips on Saturdays, ensure proper usage of library books, check-out and return library books, assist teacher’s in academic classes and extracurricular activities, design activities to address specific learning needs, or provide a scholarship for an Academy Prep student. An annual scholarship costs $13,500 for one student. However, this is not the school’s primary source of funding.

“ I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.” (William Shakespeare) Fully furnished apartments are provided for teachers or full-time volunteers who wish to live on-campus.

4. Synopsis, Art Education 2008.

Public schools receive funding from the government through taxes, and this is what they can afford to offer their students. Monroe Middle School is located in Tampa, Florida. Monroe does not offer an art program. Has 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.” George Bush cut $3 billion from education & Monroe lost its art program. Now, the 779 students in attendance have a mere 4 electives to choose from: computer business, career discovery, orchestra & band. For real...sixth, seventh & eighth graders are supposed to pick their careers right now? If they choose to be artists, the school has no program to nurture their growth. Ms. Grace states, “Everybody likes to see art in the classroom. We are lucky to even have music.”

I suggest incorporating art into other classes, a history teacher can have students map out the path of Lewis and Clark, to prevent fossilization.

Private schools are funded from families and unsystematic donations, and this is what they can afford to offer their students. Incarnation 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 tell me about Van Gogh and all the little hands went up; they could tell me different things about his life. Then, Ms. Hand made an art gallery of the children’s Van Gogh reproductions. It was just amazing, what everyone could do, everybody gets art class every week.

I suggest to develop a wish list of art supplies for parents to frequently donate and create projects from household trash.

Academy Prep runs one hundred percent off of donations.

What is done to permit this to happen?

Every member of the staff has a bachelor’s degree, more than half earned a master’s. Classes are small, 15—A & B—students in each. Every student participates in an extracurricular activity. Homework is turned in on time. Parents graciously volunteer. Students clean the school, not a janitorial staff. Every student is respectful. Uniforms are free. Tuition is free. Food is free. Seems like school utopia. Is this not the description you would like to hear when one day deciding--as a parent--where to send your child? If you squirm to the thought of children, stop; they are in most of our futures.

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