“Best program in the area.”
Ages 11 years – 8th grade
Adolescence is the sensitive period when children firmly assert their personal values and their sense of social responsibility. It is a time when teens seek positive peer interaction to establish trust, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Our Secondary Leadership Academy addresses this age with a fresh, vital program designed to meet the cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and moral development of young adults.
Challenging students and offering unique educational experiences
At the core of the program is an academic curriculum that not only challenges students, but also offers unique educational experiences. Students study Math, Science, Social Studies, Language, Vocabulary, Spelling, and Grammar. They learn about American and World History, American Government, and Geography, all enhanced by our computer lab and Smart Board. Science experiments are conducted in an exciting, fully-equipped science lab.
Learning practical lessons from the world of literature
Our students experience the wonder of literature through the reading of anthologies and novels. They learn writing by keeping a journal, developing creative pieces for publication, and editing written works. They practice the all-important skills of researching a topic and writing a paper about it. They participate in special enrichment classes, taught by experts, such as Swimming, Physical Education, Spanish, Art, Music, Performing Arts, and Library/Research Skills.
Ensuring the mastering of subjects
Teachers encourage Socratic discussions, individual exploration, and collaborative projects. They regularly test and evaluate students to ensure that each subject is mastered (85% is passing). They work closely with students to promote strong social and emotional development.
Creating a responsive and well-equipped environment that facilitates our students’ success
We work hard to understand how our Secondary Leadership Academy students view the world and create a responsive environment that facilitates growth. A bright, open classroom, rich with intriguing opportunities, motivates our students to learn. They enjoy access to a beautiful library and technology to aid learning. Students also enjoy a partnership program with Palm Harbor Public Library directly across the street.
Developing self-esteem and developing a cooperative attitude
The program recognizes that experience and learning beyond the classroom are essential for building self-esteem and developing a cooperative attitude between students and the surrounding community. Every seventh week is designated as “immersion” week. Immersion weeks open the doors to adventures beyond the scope of the classroom.
Exploring career decisions and working with real businesses to solve real problems
Students may explore career decisions and work with real businesses to solve real problems. They might tackle a ropes course or land laboratory or deal with classroom/business activities. They may travel to Washington, D.C. as an extension of their American Government studies. In all cases, they are given the opportunity to participate in valuable, meaningful work.
Social and personal responsibility are strongly encouraged throughout the program. Students must attend to homework, practice goal setting, and utilize their scheduled work time and extensive resources productively. In addition, students are required to perform self-assessments and to make time for personal reflection.
