Our vision is taking shape. Urban Academy is a local network of free, open-enrollment college preparatory public schools. We will be opening our doors on August 20, 2012. Under the umbrella of Urban Academy we will offer two single-gender quality educational opportunities for parents for grades K-8. They are The Red Shoe Charter School for Girls and The Obama Academy for Boys. What makes Urban Academy different from many other charter schools is our approach to curriculum. We offer a single-gender college preparatory education wrapped in a research-based teaching and learning system for grades K-5. With an emphasis on reading, writing, and mathematics, as science and social studies topics are incorporated throughout the learning process.
Both The Red Shoe Charter School for Girls and The Obama Academy for Boys we will offer Project CHILD for grades K-5.
CHILD is a three-dimensional model that differs from the one-dimensional traditional model designed around a single teacher in a single grade. The CHILD triangulated design changes the traditional classroom in several dynamic ways.Three teachers form cluster teams -- one teacher for reading, one for writing, and one for mathematics. Clusters teams work across three grade levels - K-2 for a primary cluster and 3-5 for an intermediate cluster. Teachers work with the same students for three years.
After direct instruction from the teacher, students work independently at three types of learning stations within their cluster. Students rotate to the three classrooms in their cluster. Each classroom has a Computer Station for technology-based work, a Textbook Station for paper/pencil work, and three Activity Stations for hands-on work. There is also a Teacher Station for small group tutorials and individual assistance.
Our curriculum is backed by empirical research. Further, our team of professionals has helped other charter schools throughout the country receive the
Golden Bell award for helping children achieved two grade levels within one school year. Not only do we offer CHILD for our younger students, but also students in grades 6 will be using a host of technologically based curriculum backed by former IBM executives. Our technology element allows us to know at all times, any time of the day of how our children are performing. There is no waiting for FCAT scores to determining our success!
Why Single Gender?
In the past, single gender schools were available exclusively for children of affluent families. We feel that this type of school should be available for all students, no matter what their socio-economic status, race or religion.
Girls and boys learn differently. Boys typically outperform girls in math and science in a co-ed class, yet in classes that separate genders and teach the same materials in different ways, the gap in mastery becomes significantly less. Research also shows us that most behavioral problems occur during these middle school years; where girls and boys compete for each other’s attention. Separating the two allows for growth in different areas that may not be experienced in a co-ed environment.
Our Goal
Our goal to provide the best education available to children in the 33311 zip code. An area that has consistently underperformed academically. We want to change the landscape of this area and prepare young minds to be able to enter college, to lead full productive lives, to be competitive in our global economy, and to make a difference in the world. So, change your child’s future by joining our schools. It can start right here, right now, with your child!
