Welcome to the Middle School Academic Program at Renaissance Academy. We are proud to offer sixth-grade students the opportunity to be part of a new and exciting learning initiative.
Comprehensive Curriculum
This new and comprehensive academic program concentrates on helping students attain a firm foundation in the core courses of English, math, social studies, science, and physical education. In addition, students enhance their communication skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking – through a focused independent reading course emphasizing critical thinking skills and technology.
Unique Benefits
The Middle School Academic Program operates as a school-within-a-school, and classrooms are clustered in a separate first-floor wing adjacent to the school’s main office. Students have numerous opportunities to form supportive relationships with fellow students and staff, given the small class sizes of 15 students or less. Within this enriched learning environment, teachers are able to provide students the individualized attention and focused assistance they need, based on their individual academic needs. An emphasis is placed on study and technology skills as students work intensively with their teachers to accelerate their progress in areas where they may previously have been struggling to achieve academic success. The ultimate goal is grade-level performance.
Focus on Developmental Needs
Another major focus of the Middle School Academic Program is the development of self-determination, responsibility, and integrity in each student. As students find success academically their self-esteem and positive self-concepts often improve as well. Staff works consistently to help students gain a sense of personal responsibility and self-discipline so they are better able to deal with academic challenges and other social and developmental issues such as the effects of peer pressure.
Duration of Program
Students who enroll in the Middle School Academic Program will make a one-year commitment. At the end of the school year, students will be evaluated to determine the school placement to best meet their academic needs – moving on to the seventh grade academic program at Renaissance Academy or returning to their home school.
Transportation
The school division provides transportation to the Middle School Academic Program at Renaissance Academy. Students will be notified of their designated express pick-up point shortly after receipt of their letter of acceptance to this program.
Eligibility
Student selection for the Middle School Academic Program is by application. Students who are experiencing a lack of success in a traditional school setting, or those who have not passed the fifth-grade Standards of Learning tests in Reading and Mathematics or who have a Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) reading score below 50 are highly encouraged to apply. The Middle School Academic Program is specifically designed to build on students’ strengths with the ultimate goal of remediating their academic needs through rigorous and relevant instruction. If the number of applications is larger than the number of places available, students will be chosen by lottery.
Application Process
If you believe your child may benefit from the Middle School
Academic Program at
Renaissance Academy, please contact Ms. Elizabeth Temple at 757.648.6000.