Neapolitan Family 2023 Education Guide

2023 Education Guide

CHILDREN’S MONTESSORI

2535 Northbrooke Plaza Dr., Naples 239-593-MONT (6668) www.ChildMont.com

Children’s Montessori School is a private early childhood preschool program. Children learn by exploring and discovering concepts with a hands-on approach using manipulative equipment and instruction that also encourages students to progress at their own pace. The Montessori method develops the whole child, not just intellectual faculties but also powers of deliberation, initiative, and independent choice. The school was founded in 1998 and offers classes for children ages 12 months through kindergarten with VPK integrated into the Extended Primary program. The full school hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with various schedules available.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF NAPLES

13275 Livingston Rd., Naples 239-597-7575 www.CommunitySchoolNaples.org

Community School of Naples, an independent, preK-12 college preparatory day school, was launched in 1982 by a group of parents seeking to establish a private school close to home. Today CSN has more than 900 students and a $40 million, 77-acre campus with 21 buildings, including athletics fields and swimming pool. CSN offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on academic rigor; opportunities in athletics and arts, both fine and performing; and character development. These elements ensure that each student experiences a challenging education only an independent, college preparatory school can provide. One hundred percent of CSN graduates attend four-year colleges and universities, with many attending our nation’s most selective and highly competitive schools.

COVENANT CHURCH MOM’S MORNING OUT 6926 Trail Blvd., Naples 239-597-3464 www.CovenantNaples.com/Kids

Covenant Church of Naples Mom’s Morning Out is a ministry for both children and parents/guardians. Our purpose is to provide a loving environment for children while offering parents and caregivers a needed break. Daily activities for the children are based around a theme. Using that theme, the children will experience story time (both literature and Bible), outdoor play, free play, art, and music For ages 2-4 (as of Aug. 1).

FIRST BAPTIST ACADEMY 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples 239-597-2233 • www.FBAlions.org

For 26 years, First Baptist Academy has served our region as a premiere Christ-centered college preparatory school, educating nearly 700 students annually from preschool through high school. With a uniquely personal approach to education, students are challenged daily to progress in their knowledge, talents, and faith. Our talented students are achieving beyond the classroom as well. Students compete and excel in a full range of athletic opportunities, with individual and team sports. Our fine arts programs are strong and thriving in the areas of art, theater, and vocal and instrumental music. That is all a part of the unparalleled opportunities our FBA Lions have. Whether you’re new to the area or making a change during the school year, we welcome you to tour our campus, meet our staff and students, and ask any questions you have.

868 94th Ave. N., Naples 239-597-5064

www.LittlePeoplesSchool.info

Little People’s School was founded over 40 years ago by certified elementary teachers dedicated to the education of young children. We believe that children learn best when involved physically and intellectually in their learning environment. Students enjoy a small child-to-teacher ratio, which allows children to have the optimal opportunity to learn basic concepts in math and literacy through age-appropriate programs of art, science, literature, music, social studies, character development, and, of course, play. Part-time, full-time, and VPK programs are available.

MASON CLASSICAL ACADEMY

3073 Horseshoe Dr. S., Naples (South Campus) 2647 Professional Cr., Naples (North Campus) 239-227-2838

https://MasonAcademy.com

Mason Classical Academy is a K-12 tuition-free school offering a rigorous academic curriculum that is built on two fundamental beliefs: Instruction in virtue and knowledge is necessary to live the good life; and a free society requires its members to be selfgoverning, knowledgeable citizens of virtue. Primary source texts and the Great Books drive humanities instruction. Cultivation of virtue and self-governance are taught explicitly through the curriculum and in the spirit of the Western heritage. The Socratic method is implemented throughout all classrooms and by way of traditional pedagogy. A 20-page senior thesis on what is essential to living the good life, delivered and defended in front of an audience of faculty and peers, is a graduation requirement.

MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF NAPLES 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples 239-597-2255 • info@naplesmontessori.org www.NaplesMontessori.org

Montessori Academy of Naples offers comprehensive Montessori programs for students ages 2 months to 10 years old. The proven Montessori method is evident in the carefully prepared, reality- based environments that foster independence and self-discipline and encourage young hands and minds to engage, experiment, and explore. School snacks and lunches include farm-fresh fruits and vegetables courtesy of the school’s student-run organic produce co-op. School hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., including early arrival and after-school programs. VPK and summer programs also are available.

Owned/Operated

By

ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

2629 Horseshoe Dr. S., Naples 239-261-NACS (6227) www.NaplesACS.org

Naples Adventist Christian School a PK to grade 8 school centrally located in Naples. We are proud to have a committed staff teaching a nationally certified and approved curriculum in a Christ-filled environment, with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:8. We accept Step Up For Students scholarships. The NACS family exists to show children Jesus, teach them to think, and empower them to serve. All students are welcome!

ROYAL PALM ACADEMY

16100 Livingston Rd., Naples 239-594-9888 www.RoyalPalmAcademy.org

Royal Palm Academy offers an integrated experience of Christcentered faith formation, strong moral and family values, bestin-class academic curriculum, leadership development, and a rich student life experience at an affordable tuition. We partner with our families to teach the mind, educate the heart, and form the character of tomorrow’s leaders. Contact us today to schedule a personalized tour of our campus, meet our teachers, and see our students in action. Plus learn more about how you can afford a private, Catholic education for your child. Financial assistance and scholarships are available. Visit us and experience the difference at RPA!

SAINT ANN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

542 Eighth Ave. S., Naples 239-262-4110 • www.StAnn.net

Since 1956, Saint Ann School has provided excellence in education of spirit, mind, and body to our students in PK3 to grade 8, from our academic curriculum to our athletic programs to our arts programs, in which students participate fully. The fundamental purpose of Saint Ann School is to promote the teachings of the Catholic Church and to instill in its students a profound and personal spirituality. The school provides a unique setting where spiritual, academic, emotional, social, and physical growth is realized.

ST.

ELIZABETH SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL

2730 53rd Terrace S.W., Naples 239-455-2262 • www.SaintElizabethSeton.com

St. Elizabeth Seton offers challenging academics as well as spiritual, physical, and social formation for students in PK3 to grade 8. Since 1981, the goal of our professional and dedicated faculty and staff is to nurture the development of a complete, well-rounded child in a safe, family atmosphere. We emphasize high academic standards, moral values, and the integration of the Catholic Christian philosophy in all aspects of school life. Through our curriculum and extracurricular opportunities, service projects, and faith traditions, all students are encouraged to achieve their fullest potential and understand the relevance of Catholic values in their daily lives.

TEMPLE SHALOM PRESCHOOL

4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples 239-455-3227

www.TempleShalomPreschoolNaples.org

Temple Shalom Preschool is recognized as a high-quality early education program. We have been approved by Florida SouthWestern State College’s Early Childhood Department as an appropriate setting for its pre-service teacher training. We offer classes for infants to 4 years old, as well as a Baby and Me class for babies and toddlers. Our multifaceted curriculum is based on faith values, which offer children a belief system and ethical guidance. Our trained and credentialed teaching staff provides a nurturing environment where each child may flourish and grow to meet their full potential. Included in the program are enrichment classes in science and technology, fitness and yoga, storytelling, music and movement, and creative visual arts.

THE VILLAGE SCHOOL OF NAPLES

6000 Goodlette Frank Rd. N., Naples 239-593-7686

www.VillageSchoolNaples.org

The Village School of Naples is an independent Christian school serving students in pre-K3 to grade 12. The Village School uses project-based learning in a rigorous academic environment to enable students to work collaboratively, think critically, and problem solve with purpose while instilling Christian values in their lives. A Village School education seeks to provide an environment that empowers and inspires students to think and create solutions to challenges in an ever-changing world. It is about building intellect and character. Our various programs are designed and dedicated to academics, the arts, athletics, and service to others. Our exceptional faculty strives to help young people learn about themselves and what they can contribute to the world.

WINDMILL CREEK ACADEMY 2682 S. Horseshoe Ct., Naples 239-434-5439 • www.WindmillCreekAcademy.com

Our well-qualified, caring (and fingerprint/background screened) teachers guide and encourage our students on the path to academic excellence while celebrating each child’s creativity and unique gifts. Love, acceptance, and the joys of childhood guide our curriculum and philosophy. Our goal is that Windmill Creek Academy “graduates” leave not only as great students but also as children of great character. We offer classes for infants through VPK, weekly music classes (included), low student-to-teacher ratio, hot lunch program, and much more.

TUTORS

A+ SKILLS TUTORING 5625 Strand Blvd., #504, Naples 239-254-9807 www.aplusskillstutoring.com

One-to-one personalized tutoring. No contracts. Subjects include (but are not limited to) SAT/ACT prep, college applications and essays, and all elementary/middle/high school subjects. Experienced tutors with BA/BS and MA/MS degrees.

TRACEY ANSTETH ALBERT TUTORING 239-572-8643 • TA1019@aol.com

We offer tutoring for children in grades K-3 in reading, language arts, social studies, math, organizational skills, as well as homework assistance in a clean, calm, and positive environment. Flexible hours.

TUTORING FOR STRUGGLING READERS 330-620-6892 • satchison1@gmail.com www.TutoringStrugglingReaders.com

We offer in-person tutoring in reading, language arts, and organizational skills for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Veteran teacher, Wilson Reading certified, OrtonGillingham trained. Flexible hours and location.

Meet the Principal Mason Classical Academy

John DeMasi is the principal of Mason Classical Academy, a high-performing charter school in Naples that delivers a classical education to more than 1,200 students in grades K-12. Mr. DeMasi is a student of history, graduated from Ave Maria University, and has his master’s degree in education. As a young man, it was important to him that he received a classical education, and, therefore, he worked to pay his own way through high school. The determined effort that he put forth during his formative years helped prepare him to lead students into a deep understanding of hard work, perseverance, and personal responsibility, in addition to an appreciation of a good education. Mr. DeMasi’s upbringing, family dynamic, and education paved the way for him to assume the role as principal at MCA. He is successfully guiding the school into maintaining its mission of delivering a high-quality, classical education to all students, tuition-free, regardless of income or ZIP code.

Mr. DeMasi has worked for MCA since its founding in 2014. During that inaugural year, he led the third grade teachers and students to an astonishing pass rate on the English FSA, helping to propel the school toward its current status in the top 2% of all public schools in the state of Florida. Apart from a stellar record of teaching and leadership, Teacher of the

Year status, and Teacher Paladin award, he met his wife in a classroom just down the hall. Annaleah Miravalle, current K-12 Academic Dean, became Mrs. DeMasi after working next to him at MCA for five years. They have a son, and they enjoy being a part of the Naples community.

During any given school day, Mr. DeMasi can be found in classrooms, at recess, and at car line. He believes that to be an effective administrator, it is imperative to be present throughout the school. A fan of classical literature, Mr. DeMasi is an avid reader of authors J.R.R. Tolkien, Fyodor

Dostoevsky, and Wendell Berry. He firmly believes in looking on the bright side of life, and consistently relays that message to MCA students and faculty. When asked how he maintains such a positive attitude, he says it is because he has a God who loves him, a wife who loves him, and lives in the greatest country in the world.

Mr. DeMasi encourages any family desiring a rigorous, classical education for their child to apply now during open enrollment for the 2023-24 school year. Go to https://masonacademy.com for more information.

Meet the Head of School

Dr. David Watson was appointed to Head of School at Community School of Naples in 2013. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, he has lived in the United States since 2000 and is now a dual U.S./U.K. national. Dr. Watson holds degrees from universities in three different European countries.

He has been involved in independent education for more than 30 years in eight different countries. Dr. Watson took up his first school Headship in 1995. He has successfully led prestigious

Meet the Director

Janine Klaassen Connell is the Founder and Director of Windmill Creek Academy in Naples. A graduate of George Mason University and the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, Janine brings a uniquely creative approach to preschool education. In the late 1950s, Her parents immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands. Janine’s mother founded a preschool in the early 1980s, which has blossomed into six familyrun schools in Northern Virginia today. In 2008, Janine continued that legacy in Naples. She believes that music and the arts are a natural outlet for young children, as they provide wonderful opportunities for self-expression and joy. She explores music, rhythm, language, and self-expression with her students. These important creative attributes help create a positive learning experience for enhanced learning. For the past 15 years, it has been Windmill Creek Academy’s mission to create a richly rewarding educational experience through academics and creativity.

Meet the Director

Rabbi Ariel Boxman joined Temple Shalom Preschool as Director in August 2020. She also serves as the rabbi educator for Temple Shalom. She oversees all educational programs for children and adults, leads the congregation in ritual and worship, and officiates at lifecycle events. Rabbi Boxman earned her bachelor’s degree from American University in Washington, D.C., and her rabbinical ordination from Hebrew Union College. In 2013, Rabbi Boxman completed her master’s of education.

Rabbi Boxman believes in innovation and is always looking for opportunities to improve the program. “Directing Temple Shalom Preschool has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. To be greeted each and every morning with precious, smiling faces is truly a dream.” Rabbi Boxman is the mother to two boys (who attend Temple Shalom Preschool) and is celebrating seven years of marriage to her husband, Asher.

Meet the Director

In 2023 Jennifer Lange is celebrating 25 years as Owner, Director, and Lead VPK Teacher at Little People’s School in Naples. Jen taught at LPS for one year before she purchased the business. Her children, now 24 and 28, were the inspiration that fired her passion for developing a quality early childhood education center. Her mission has been to provide a school encompassing everything she knew to be right and beneficial for her own children, not only as a mother but also as a experienced educator. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Penn State and was certified to teach K-6 in Pennsylvania. She also has earned the Child Development Associates Waiver from Edison Community College and the Advanced Directors Credential with the VPK Endorsement from the Florida Office of Early Learning. Jen recently earned a very important director’s endorsement: Trauma Informed Care. She also has over 350 hours of continuing education and countless hours of handson experience working with preschoolers.

Meet the Principal

Michael Buskirk has been Principal of Saint Ann School since 2019. He has been in education for 21 years at both private and public schools. Since becoming a principal eight years ago, he has won many accolades, such as Best Private School in both Jefferson City and Naples. He grew up in Philadelphia and attended Catholic school for 12 years. He received his B.S. from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, and his M.Ed. and Ed. S. from University of Missouri in Leadership.

In his tenure at Saint Ann, the school has almost doubled in size to 430 students! Mr. Buskirk has a very transparent leadership style and believes every child should be able to receive a Catholic education. He has implemented many curricular changes and has brought in two resource teachers and a guidance counselor to work with the diverse needs of all students. All programs are faith based, and the school has partnered with the University of Notre Dame’s Play Like A Champion Program that infuses faith into the athletics program. Saint Ann School offers a Catholic Education that goes above and beyond for all children. Go Dolphins!

Meet the Head of School

Dr. Ryan Dupeé has been blessed to have a career both in education and pastoral ministry. Ryan has served as an associate and lead pastor, both church ministries having been associated with Christian schools. After pastoring for several years, God saw fit to allow him to enter the Christian education arena. He has served as a Vice President of a Christian college, developing programs where students would grow in their potential for spiritual and character development. Most recently, Ryan served at Calvary Christian High School in Clearwater. With an enrollment of nearly 800 students, his roles included safety, discipline, spiritual formation, and leading parenting seminars to enhance the partnership with families. Ryan has earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Divinity, and Educational Doctorate with an emphasis on Organizational Leadership. Ryan also has had the privilege to receive certifications in Leading Schools and Leading Change from Harvard University. Ryan and his wife, Christy, moved to Naples in the fall of 2022, as he assumed the role of Head of School at First Baptist Academy. Ryan desires to help young people pursue Christ alone and follow Him vocationally, whether it is in full-time ministry or the workplace where God places them. He also desires to cultivate young people to love God with all their hearts and have a passion for the salvation of others and the local church. Ryan believes “a successful Head of School will be one who hum bly serves oth ers, models the grace and love of Christ, and creates a workspace for employees that inspires unity and mission through the gospel of Christ.”

Choosing a Preschool

The important questions to ask and what to look for when touring schools

This year, Jen Lange of Little People’s School in Naples is celebrating 25 years as owner, director, and lead VPK teacher of the school. In her quarter century as an educator, Jen has seen a huge shift in how others view early childhood education. Previously, most early child care workers were seen as babysitters. Today, parents are paying attention to the research that shows the benefit of quality early education. According to Jen, more families that tour LPS are asking the important questions about curriculum, the education and experience of the teach ers, and discipline plans. To help you find the perfect preschool for your child, Jen has provided lists of what to look for and the im portant questions to ask as you tour schools.

Top 10 questions to ask

1. Is your center licensed (not just registered) by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)? If a center is licensed you can look up inspection re cords online. During these unan nounced inspections, DCF counselors look at things like: ratios, background screening and training of teachers, and many other health and safety fac tors. If they are not licensed by DCF, ask “Why not?”

2. What is the teacher-to-student ratio in each classroom/age group?

3. What is the education and experience of your classroom teachers, and how long have the teachers been employed at the school? Longevity can tell you a lot.

4. What curriculum do you use? Will I have access to lesson plans?

5. Who will be with my child daily? Will my child see the same teachers daily?

6. What is your discipline policy? Does it align with your morals and values? Is the policy developmentally appropriate?

7. Who provides snacks and lunch?

8. How do you control who can remove my child from campus? What are your safety procedures?

9. How do you communicate daily with parents?

10. What is the illness policy? Also ask about policies regarding any special needs your child has such as:

allergies, health concerns, deficits, and delays.

Any preschool or daycare should be able to answer these questions without hesitation and with complete candor.

Top 10 things you should see, hear, and smell

1. Smiles! You should see lots of them! Smiles on the Director, the teachers, the children, and the parents. If you aren’t seeing a happy center, move

2. Listen to how the teachers are communicating with the students. Listen to how the students are communicating with each other. Are they using appropriate and kind language?

3. Do the center adults talk to your child on their level?

4. Although the center/school doesn’t need to be shiny and new, it should look well-kept, clean, and smell pleasant.

5. You should see plenty of toys, books, and manipulatives. Are they in good condition?

6. Do you see an organized classroom with a learning wall or obvious learning area? Do you see different areas for play (centers)?

7. Ask if your child can use the bathroom. Bathrooms should be clean, well-stocked (with soap, paper towels, toilet paper), and smell pleasant.

8. Look at the walls. Do you see children’s artwork displayed?

9. Do you hear happy noise? Music? Children laughing? Teachers interacting appropriately with the children?

10. Trust your gut! If you get a feeling on a tour, likely your child is feeling it, too; they may not know how to articulate it. There is a preschool out there for everyone. Your neighbor’s perfect school may not be your child’s perfect school. Do the research. Ask all the questions and trust your gut!

To learn more about Little People’s School, call 239-5975064 or visit www.littlepeoplesschool.info. The school is located at 868 94th Ave., Naples.

Last fall, Collier County Public Library opened new homework centers at its Golden Gate and Immokalee branches. These homework centers were made possible through a federal grant through the American Rescue Plan Act*.

The homework centers at the Golden Gate (2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples) and Immokalee Libraries (417 N. First St., Immokalee) are staffed by current and former educators from Collier County Public Schools. These teachers provide K-12 students with safe and supportive educational environments where they can receive assistance on homework, projects, or specific subjects where they may be struggling. The libraries offer free snacks to participants because hungry children have a harder time focusing and learning.

Registration is not required; participation in this program is entirely voluntary, and students are welcome to come for any length of time. All students (not only CCPS students) in grades K-12 are welcome to stop by, get a snack, and receive help with their homework.

The Golden Gate center is open from 3-6 p.m., MondaysWednesdays. The Immokalee center is open from 3-6 p.m., TuesdaysThursdays. The centers follow the CCPS schedule, but are open for teacher planning days that fall on a Monday. The centers are closed March 13-17, and will close for the summer on May 25.

Photos courtesy of Collier County Public Library.

* Financed in Part by U.S. Department of Treasury, Under Federal Award Number 596000558, and Collier County Community and Human Services Division.

Music: A “Mind Growing” Experience!

Research shows that musical edu cation expands and literally “grows” young minds into other areas of devel opment. Both the right and left hemi spheres of the brain are involved in processing music, or “whole brain” learning. Susan Black, author of Musical Mind Board Journal, Jan. 1997) reveals that musical experiences are displayed in the brain as “multi-modal, involving auditory, visual, cognitive, affective, and motor systems.”

Studies show that early and ongoing musical training helps or ganize and develop children’s brains. According to Dr. Frances Rauscher, psychologist at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh, musical training appears to dramatically enhance a child’s abstract thinking skills and spatialtemporal ability – skills nec essary for mathematics and sci ence – even more than computer instruction does.

“The 100 billion neurons in a baby’s brain are eager and willing to learn and grow, but to do so, they need stimulation and enrichment to form connections (synapses) and to grow branch ing extensions (dendrites),” Rauscher says. “When their brains are nourished with music, young children grow more connec tions and extensions.” In effect, they get smarter! Wow! It’s worth reading that again! Rauscher contends, “Music might be considered a pre-language which, while children are very young, excites inherent brain patterns and promotes their use in complex reasoning tasks. Based on our findings, we predict that music training at an early age – when the connections in the brain are most plastic – provides exercise for higher brain functions.”

Ready, Maestro?

“That’s great!” you might say, but what if you can’t sing yourself out of a

cation for your child and, possibly, even for yourself.

The first step in musical education is exposing your child to different kinds of music. Don’t get stuck on the same playlists. You owe it to your child to explore different worlds of music: jazz, chamber music, opera, instrumental, rhythm and blues, Latin, choir and vocal music, and so many more. Listen to the music with your child and then ask questions, such as “How does that make you feel?” Watch them – What did your child respond to? What didn’t they like? Why? There’s a whole vocabulary right there to explore in describing sound and also how it makes you feel.

These conversations not only grow your musical appreciation, they help build your child’s vocabulary, conversational skills, and listening skills while also providing meaningful parent and child time.

Create your own life soundtrack

You’ve got to lose your inhibitions and find the music in all that you do. When changing my daughter’s diapers, I would make whooshing and clicking sound effects with each nip and tuck of her diaper. I would make up silly songs as I counted her little toes. She loved it, and I loved that time, too. Create your own life soundtrack with your child. After listening to music together, begin to participate in it. Throw a few beans in an empty water bottle, screw on the lid and you’ve got maracas; flip over an empty coffee container and you’ve got a makeshift drum so you can bang away.

The world is a musical place if you shift your awareness and are open to listening to it. We live in a world of visual stimulation, but listening, truly listening, is such a tremendous skill to develop – one that will help grow your child’s mind.

The point is to start expanding your child’s world to include music, followed by music education. Certainly, what music your child learns to appreciate now may remain with them their whole lives. The biggest piece of this musical pie is that your child will experience increased brain function and lifelong enjoyment. Now that’s a dessert we should all take a bite of!

JANINE KLAASSEN CONNELL is the founder and director of Windmill Creek Academy in Naples. She holds music degrees from the Peabody Conservatory of Music of Johns Hopkins University, as well as George Mason University.

By Amanda Sterk, Ph.D.

Building Your Student’s Academic Factor

High school students today have a wide range of academic options to help accelerate their high school-to-college journey or develop their career readiness skills. The issue for most families is navigating what program may be best for your student, as many families have firm beliefs one program is better than another.

In the new College UnMazed workbook (www.collegeunmazed. com), we identify four major factors that colleges need students to develop to succeed: You Factor, Academic Factor, Career Factor, and Money Factor. While all four factors are important, we are going to focus on building the student’s Academic Factor for this article. Below is provided an altered excerpt from the College UnMazed workbook, Chapter 2: Academic Factor, Understand How to Build the Academic Skills and Plan Needed for College and Career Success.

Building your academic factor

The Academic Factor consists of three areas: 1) academic coursework, 2) grades in that coursework, and 3) standardized test scores on college entrance exams (ACT/SAT). College admission counselors rely heavily on these three factors when making admissions decisions. Every year the National Association for College Admission Counseling surveys college admissions directors across the United States to identify what is important to them when reviewing applicants. The factors ranked as most important by admissions directors – grades in all courses, grades in college prep courses, strength of curriculum, and admission test scores – comprise the Academic Factor. It is important to note here that the courses students choose to take and their grades in those courses are more

important than admission test scores to colleges. More than nine out of 10 admissions directors say that grades in all courses and grades in college prep courses are important. More than eight out of 10 admissions directors say that the strength of the curriculum (e.g., taking honors and AP courses) is moderately or considerably important.

There are three key steps in determining the best option for your student to build the Academic Factor.

The first step as parents and students is to determine what your high school offers. Speak with other parents, the school counselors, and the program directors to get all the critical information about eligibility, deadlines, and options.

The second step is to find a program that allows your student to specialize in areas in which they are interested and excel personally and academically. If they are interested in the medical field, their transcript should showcase courses such as biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and advanced level mathematics. Taking on advanced coursework in a specific field shows your student is willing to stretch themselves to meet future career goals. We will discuss the four main programs below.

The third step is to determine how your student wants to shape their high school experience and what type of learner they are. For example, students who are very active at their school and have limited transportation might do better in credit-byexamination courses where their schedule is set, and they are still able to take accelerated options. However, some students thrive in a college environment where they have fewer classes and can build their own schedule.

Academic programs explained

1. Credit-by-examination. Credit-by-examination (CBE) courses are college-level classes taught by high school teachers that provide students with the opportunity to take on more rigorous coursework. At the end of the course, students are given a standardized test. The score earned on the test can provide college credit. Examples of credit-by-examination are Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Pros: CBE is a great option for high school students as these courses are taken within their traditional high school schedule. These classes are taught at a more rigorous level and provide an additional weighted grade point average that is used by the Florida State University System (SUS) and other colleges to determine strength of curriculum. CLEP is similar to an AP exam, except that the student is not required to take the high school course, just the exam. AICE and IB diplomas also provide automatic qualification for full Bright Futures Academic Scholars (FAS). Transferability of credit to out-of-state colleges is relatively streamlined (although school-dependent), except for AICE, which is not as widely recognized as the others.

Cons: The pass rate for CBE tests is low, with only about 34% of students earning college-level scores. The course grade also does not transfer to colleges, and some of the courses do not transfer into core general education areas, so students have to retake specific courses once at college. In addition, some high schools are limited in their CBE course offerings.

2. Dual enrollment. In dual enrollment (DE) programs, high school students take actual college courses, either at their high school through concurrent enrollment or through a local college (Florida SouthWestern State College, www.fsw.edu/dualenrollment) or university (Florida Gulf Coast University ACE Program, www.fgcu/edu/admissionsaid/ace). These courses are taught by college-credentialed teachers or college professors. Dual enrollment courses enable students to begin building their college transcript.

Pros: Students have access to hundreds of courses that meet their general education core requirements and/or major/elective requirements for their college degree. Courses can be taken on the college campus, online, or at the high school, creating a more flexible schedule. Credit is guaranteed to transfer to the SUS or Florida College System; out-of-state colleges accept most credit depending on selectivity. Students can elect to take one course up to being a full-time student earning an Associates of Arts degree. All courses are provided additional weighted GPA.

Cons: Students must be eligible to enroll by both their unweighted high school GPA and college-level test scores from the ACT, SAT, Accuplacer-Next Generation, or PERT. Students are building a college transcript, so if they do not do well in the course, it may jeopardize their future college admissions.

3. Industry Certification. Career and technical education programs (CTE) can provide students with hands-on experience in a specific field, often resulting in an industry certification or micro-credential that leads directly to employment. Common programs are certified nursing assistant, veterinarian technician,

welding, and many others. Industry certification can bolster college applications, but your student should carefully consider how doing so strengthens their high school curriculum in the eyes of college admission counselors.

Pros: Workforce credentials are high in demand and can earn a good wage, with programs ranging from six to 18 months. Students can focus on their career early and are provided with hands-on experience. Many of the industry certifications are stackable with other degrees and programs.

Cons: Many students are undecided on their career and may not know which certification to choose. Many CTE programs are clock-hour programs instead of credit programs, so the courses may not transfer to a four-year institution the same way as credit-byexamination or DE credits to both in-state and out-of-state colleges.

The Florida Department of Education regulates how credit earned from these programs (AP, AICE, IB, DE, CTE) is articulated to college credit through the Common Course Numbering System, the weighted grade point average provided for these accelerated programs, and how these credits articulate to high school credit. As a parent, some important documents to understand are: 1) Credit-by-Exam Equivalencies, 2) Dual Enrollment CourseHigh School Subject Area Equivalency List, and 3) Florida State Statute 1007.271, all which can be found at www.fldoe.org.

4. Massive Open Online Courses. Often free, massive open online courses (MOOCs) may not provide high school credit. They are courses taught by experts at universities like MIT, Berkeley, and Harvard on a range of topics like coding, medical neuroscience, business, fitness, and psychology. These courses can provide some of the specialized content that might not be available at your local high school and allow your student to explore specific interests. Even if a MOOC your student takes does not show up on their high school transcript, it can still enhance college applications through the college essay and recommendation letters from counselor or teachers. Some MOOC sites are Coursera, EdX, Khan Academy, FutureLearn, kadenze, Udacity, and Udemy. Colleges look at what opportunities were afforded to students when considering applications for admission. Typically, when a student applies to a college, your school counselor will send a school profile that details what advanced courses are available, average admission test scores, and other academic offerings. This is important for all students, but particularly so for students in high schools that do not have many specialized classes, as the school profile provides important context for admissions officers to consider. There are many opportunities to take advanced courses in high school, online, or through dual enrollment. We recommend you ask early and often about the opportunities available and help your student build a strong high school course of study.

AMANDA STERK, PH.D. , is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and college consultant. She is the author of “College UnMazed: Your Guide to Navigate the High School to College Maze,” www. collegeunmazed.com, a step-by-step colorful, interactive, infographicbased workbook, and is the founder of Sterk Educational Consulting, www.sterkedu.com, where she provides online group and one-on-one support for parents and students navigating the college maze.

Local Schools

Whether you are looking for a preschool for your little one, or a new high school for your teen, the information on these pages will guide you on the road to finding the perfect fit for your family.

School Age/Grade Address Phone Number Website

3 Oaks Academy 1-12g 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples 239-776-2100 www.3oaksacademy.com

Able Academy PK-12g 5860 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples 239-352-7600 www.theableacademy.org

Bloom Day School 6m-PK 15300 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples 239-249-2084 www.bloomdayschool.com

Bonita Springs YMCA 6w-VPK 27220 Kent Rd., Bonita Springs 239-333-0479 www.ymcaswfl.org

BridgePrep Academy of Collier K-8g 3161 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples 239-677-4211 www.bridgeprepcollier.com

Child’s Path Golden Gate 6w-5y 2925 Titan Way, Naples 239-377-1750 www.childspath.org

Child’s Path Immokalee 6w-3y 701 Immokalee Dr., Immokalee 239-377-1167 www.childspath.org

Child’s Path Moorings 1-5y 777 Mooring Line Dr., Naples 239-980-9021 www.childspath.org

Child’s Path Santa Barbara 1-5y 3144 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples 239-353-4144 www.childspath.org

Children’s Montessori 12m-K 2535 Northbrooke Plaza Dr., Naples 239-593-6668 www.childmont.com

Collier Charter Academy K-8g 12101 Immokalee Rd., Naples 239-330-3810 www.colliercharter.org

Collier County Public Schools PK-12g 5775 Osceola Tr., Naples 239-377-0001 www.collierschools.com

Community School of Naples PK-12g 13275 Livingston Rd., Naples 239-597-7575 www.communityschoolnaples.org

Covenant Church Moms’ Morning Out 2-4y 6926 Trail Blvd., Naples 239-597-3464 www.covenantnaples.com/kids

Creative World School 6w-10y 2260 Olympia Park Blvd., Naples 239-734-5100 www.creativeworldschool.com

Destiny Learning Center infant-4y 2550 Northbrooke Plaza Dr., Naples 239-597-2200 www.destinylearningcenter.org

Donahue Academy PK-12g 4955 Seton Way, Ave Maria 239-842-3241 www.donahueacademy.org

Eagle’s Nest Christian Academy 3-5y 6920 Immokalee Rd., Naples 239-593-0055 www.swflministries.com

East Naples Methodist Preschool 1-5y 2701 Airport Pulling Rd. S., Naples 239-774-4696 www.enaples.org/about-the-school

First Baptist Academy PK3-12g 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples 239-597-2233 www.fbalions.org

First Presbyterian Preschool 18m-5y 250 6th St. S., Naples 239-262-8315 www.fpcnaples.org/preschool

Fun Time Early Childhood Academy 2-5y 102 12th St. N., Naples 239-261-8284 www.funtimeacademy.org

Grace Community School 6w-5y 5524 19th Ct. S.W., Naples 239-455-4520 www.gracecommunityschools.com

Grace Community School 6w-5y 871 100th Ave. N., Naples 239-566-7167 www.gracecommunityschools.com

Gulf Coast Charter Academy South K-8g 215 Airport-Pulling Rd. N., Naples 239-784-1539 www.gccas.org

Heavenly Day Preschool 3-5y 7070 Immokalee Rd., Naples 239-438-6281 www.heavenlydayschool.com

Lambs of Faith Preschool 2-5y 4150 Goodlette Rd. N., Naples 239-434-5811 www.flcnaples.com/ministries/preschool

Little Ducks Day School 18m-5y 4025 10th St. N., Naples 239-263-3825 www.littleducksdayschool.com

Little Explorers Learning Center 6w-5y 4069 Bayshore Dr., Naples 239-231-3530 www.explorersdaycarenaples.com

Little People’s School 2-4y 868 94th Ave. N., Naples 239-597-5064 www.littlepeoplesschool.info

Livingston Academy 1-5y 12760 Livingston Rd., Naples 239-307-4851 www.livingstonacademynaples.com

Mason Classical Academy K-12g K-8: 3073 Horseshoe Dr. S., Naples 9-12: 2647 Professional Cr., Naples 239-227-2838 239-880-7584 https://masonacademy.com

Montessori Academy of Naples 2m-10y 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples 239-597-2255 www.naplesmontessori.org

Moorings Presbyterian Preschool 2y-VPK 791 Harbour Dr., Naples 239-649-1811 www.mooringspreschool.org

Naples Adventist Christian School PK-8g 2629 Horseshoe Dr. S., Naples 239-261-6227 www.naplesacs.org

Naples Christian Academy PK-8g 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples 239-455-1080 www.napleschristian.net

Naples Classical Academy K-11g 10270 Immokalee Rd., Naples 239-449-8773 www.naplesclassical.org

Naples Preschool Academy infant-VPK 1275 Airport Pulling Rd. S., Naples 239-403-7977 www.naplespreschoolacademy.com

Nicaea Academy of Naples PK-12g 14785 Collier Blvd., Naples 239-353-9099 www.nicaeaacademy.com

Nicaea Early Learning Academy PK 2200 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples 239-455-9090 www.nicaeaacademy.com

Optima Classical Academy K-12 2706 Horseshoe Dr. S., Naples 239-963-8699 https://online.optimaacademy.org

Peace Early Learning Center 6w-VPK 9850 Immokalee Rd., Naples 239-354-9140 www.peacekidsnaples.org

Preschool For the Arts 14m-5y 1789 Mandarin Rd., Naples 239-263- 2620 www.naplespreschoolofthearts.com

Primrose School 6w-K 4510 Executive Dr., Naples 239-774-6767 www.primroseschools.com

Royal Palm Academy

Saint Ann Catholic School

PK3-8g 16100 Livingston Rd., Naples 239-594-9888 www. royalpalmacademy.org

PK3-8g 542 Eighth Ave. S., Naples 239-262-4110 www.stann.net

Salvation Army 1-5y 3180 Estey Ave., Naples 239-417-2315 www.salvationarmyflorida.org/naples

Scribbles Learning Center 1y-VPK 727 108th Ave. N., Naples 239-597-5748 www.facebook.com/scribbleslearning

Seagate Christian School K-12g 1010 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples 239-261-0122 www.seagatebaptist.com

Seacrest Country Day School PK-12g 7100 David Blvd., Naples 239-793-1986 www.seacrest.org

St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School PK3-8g 2730 53rd Terrace S.W., Naples 239-455-2262 www.saintelizabethseton.com

St. John Neumann High School 9-12g 3000 53rd St. S.W., Naples 239-455-3044 www.sjnceltics.org

Sunshine Learning Center 2-5y 4143 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples 239- 775-5437 www.facebook.com/sunshinelearningnaples

Temple Shalom Preschool 3m-4y 4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples 239-455-3227 www.templeshalompreschoolnaples.org

The Vanderbilt Learning