Academic Achievement - Albert Einstein Academy by Signal

SCV Community Pride â&#x2DC;&#x2026; ALBERT EINSTEIN ACADEMY

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PRIDE Academic Achievement

Albert Einstein Academy Prepares Students for 21St Century Careers

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Albert Einstein Academy Principal Scott Cusak, left, and CEO Maggie Ford.

J2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride â&#x2DC;&#x2026; ALBERT EINSTEIN ACADEMY

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 . J3

J4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride ★ ALBERT EINSTEIN ACADEMY

Albert Einstein Academcy Albert Einstein’s Small Class Sizes, Approach Give Students the Tools to be Well-Rounded Individuals

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Albert Einstein Academy Principal Scott Cusak, center, and CEO Maggie Ford stand with scholars on the handball court. By Alicia Doyle

ith the goal to prepare students for 21st Century careers, the Albert Einstein Academy is a family of public charter schools that provides students with a classical, college-preparatory education, focused on letters, arts and sciences. The academy gives students the tools to develop their intellectual, artistic, physical, technological and social competencies – ultimately preparing them for the next phase of their education. “We pride ourselves on small class sizes, a diverse student population, exceptional teachers, challenging classes and individualized learning,” said Maggie Ford, Chief Executive Officer. “The Albert Einstein Academy community is a supportive environment that educates students’ minds and inspires their hearts.” Serving students in grades K-12, the academy has two campuses in Santa Clarita, including an elementary school and secondary school. The secondary school opened in 2010 and the elementary school began its operations on Orchard Village Road in 2015. There is also a campus in Beverly Hills and a campus in Agua Dulce. The secondary school, serving students in grades 7 through 12, offers students a comprehensive college-preparatory academic program, a full range of CIF sports, an active student social life and community involvement opportunities. During the first two years of operation, the secondary school earned full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, gained admission into the California Interscholastic Federation, and received a five-year charter renewal from the district. The elementary school, serving grades kindergarten through 6, provides students with a rigorous curriculum that is STEAM-focused. STEAM is an educational philosophy that emphasizes science, technology and engineering. “Our school has expanded the focus to include the arts,” Ford said. STEAM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, arts and math. “It is also a philosophy for teaching relevant

concepts and skills in science and technology through engineering and the arts,” Ford explained. “Math is the common element that supports the components.” This philosophy also goes hand in hand with the academy’s project based learning approach, which is designed to immerse students into real-world problems and challenges where they can explore grade level concepts and develop deeper knowledge. “It gives context and relevance to the skills that scholars are expected to master, which in turn builds interest,” Ford said. “When the projects are

“Perhaps some of the most unique aspects of our school are the small class sizes and accessibility of our teachers and staff.”

aligned with state standards, teachers can deliver active instruction in core subjects that will support our scholars’ academic growth.” Most of the academy’s students are from the greater Santa Clarita area, with other students from the Antelope Valley and the San Fernando Valley. The academy is a college preparatory program, so many students take Advanced Placement classes. “The students who come to the Albert Einstein

Academy are looking for more than the traditional district can provide,” Ford noted. “We have students and teachers from many different countries and cultures, and this environment helps our students become well-rounded individuals who are prepared to succeed in college and in their careers.” The Albert Einstein Academy offers a top-notch arts program, which includes fine arts, drama and theater and music. Additionally, all students participate in foreign language instruction beginning in kindergarten, and many students also engage in the academy’s comprehensive sports programs. “Perhaps some of the most unique aspects of our school are the small class sizes and accessibility of our teachers and staff,” Ford said. “Students and families look to the Albert Einstein Academy for our small-school environment. All academy students know that their teachers want them to succeed, and that they will go the extra mile to offer help and guidance.” Aside from their school studies, academy students are involved in numerous charitable causes throughout the community. For instance, each year, students in grades K through 12 complete more than 15,000 hours of community service to local nonprofit groups. “They have worked to support the homeless shelter, the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry and other local nonprofit organizations,” Ford said. Additionally, “our students participate in Box City and Relay for Life each year. We have raised more than $70,000 for the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life.” The ultimate goal of the Albert Einstein Academy is for students to graduate with a deep understanding of the relationships among disciplines – as well as the ability to continuously develop their intellectual curiosity as globally aware, civic-minded individuals. “We welcome students of all ethnic, religious, socioeconomic and gender backgrounds,” Ford said. “Our students thrive in this environment, and our exceptional academic programs lead them to college and beyond. Above all, we are a family.” For more information, call 234-650-4260 or visit www.ealas.org.

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Teacher Jessica Song works with first-graders as they read a story at Albert Einstein Academy.

Teacher Sandi Jacobsohn and her fourth-grade class study potential and kinetic energy at Albert Einstein Academy.