Mrs. Karen Kizzee Harkey, Headmaster 18106 Marsh Ln Dallas, TX 75287-5701 Document Generated On May 12, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Description of the School 2 School's Purpose 3 Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement 4 Additional Information 5
Introduction Every school has its own story to tell. The context in which teaching and learning takes place influences the processes and procedures by which the school makes decisions around curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The context also impacts the way a school stays faithful to its vision. Many factors contribute to the overall narrative such as an identification of stakeholders, a description of stakeholder engagement, the trends and issues affecting the school, and the kinds of programs and services that a school implements to support student learning. The purpose of the Executive Summary (ES) is to provide a school with an opportunity to describe in narrative form the strengths and challenges it encounters. By doing so, the public and members of the school community will have a more complete picture of how the school perceives itself and the process of self-reflection for continuous improvement. This summary is structured for the school to reflect on how it provides teaching and learning on a day to day basis. Page 1
Description of the School Describe the school's size, community/communities, location, and changes it has experienced in the last three years. Include demographic information about the students, staff, and community at large. What unique features and challenges are associated with the community/communities the school serves? is a small college preparatory school primarily serving for 10 years low to moderate income students in 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades. The majority of the students, in fact 75% receive scholarships to attend the school. These students would never have had the opportunity to attend a private college preparatory school if it were not for financial assistance from donations, grants and fundraising to support underserved students. Students come to CLA from the surrounding community and the DFW community-at-large. offers a challenging curriculum focusing on advanced academics, study skills, leadership development, technology and cultural arts. The school proudly proclaims that the rigorous academic curriculum that includes life changing character building skills has helped many middle school students transition successfully to advanced academic programs in their neighborhood schools and to top private high schools awarded with financial aid scholarships and grants. The school has a proven track record of graduating 8th grade students to top private schools that include Greenhill, Jesuit, Ursuline Academy, Parish Episcopal School, Westwood International Baccalaureate High School, Episcopal School of Dallas and the Early College High School at Brookhaven College. Over the past 10 years, awards have totaled over 1.5 million in scholarships and grants. also has a unique fine arts program that is facilitated by professional performing artists in music, theater and visual arts who instruct students in jazz band, choir, drama and art classes. Strong partnerships with local business and community organizations has enhanced the opportunity for success for many of the students who have attended the school. The school offers an After School Academy that strives to help close the learning gap that fails to test student curiosity and build motivation for learning by providing creative enriching activities that support academic and social growth. It is the school's conviction that low income students deserve the same opportunity as their more advantaged peers, to explore expressive arts, experience individual tutoring sessions and other developmentally enriching activities.many middle school students serve as mentors and classroom helpers during the after school program that serves students 1st thru 12th grades. The after school program also serves a nutritious supper meal funded by the Texas Department of Agriculture for qualified students who attend the program. The faculty of professional educators at offer a wealth of experience and knowledge with small classes with student/faculty ratio of 10:1. The school has experienced challenges this year with decrease in enrollment due to unforeseen loss of job and career changes from families who provided strong financial support for the school. Despite this challenge, the school has continued to operate a quality program. looks forward to the upcoming year as one of re-strategy for increased enrollment and enhanced financial support from community foundations, corporations and local businesses as the focus continues on building lifelong learning skills for college and beyond for deserving youth in the Dallas/Fort Worth community. Page 2
School's Purpose Provide the school's purpose statement and ancillary content such as mission, vision, values, and/or beliefs. Describe how the school embodies its purpose through its program offerings and expectations for students. The mission of is to provide quality personal and community education for America's future generation of leaders by promoting ethical citizenship, multicultural knowledge, artistic creativity and academic excellence paralleled with appropriate choice making and self value. prepares students for admission to private college preparatory high schools, as well as to advanced programs in public high schools. The school is founded on the philosophy that all students are entitled to and can succeed in college preparatory programs when the curriculum is rigorous, engaging and well-planned, the school emphasizes life changing and character education, leadership training and a has a strong parent and community support system that embraces academic excellence and social development within a rich culturally diverse environment. The school adheres to the core values of Scholarship, Character, Leadership and Service. The mission of the school is embodied through the curriculum, enrichment activities, parental support and faculty guidance. Page 3
Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement Describe the school's notable achievements and areas of improvement in the last three years. Additionally, describe areas for improvement that the school is striving to achieve in the next three years. Area of Notable Achievement: has been successful with preparing 8th grade students for successful graduation to top private high schools with awarded scholarships and grants totaling over 1.5 million. Students who attend neighborhood schools have transitioned to honors classes and advanced curriculum programs. Students from have received recognition in local and regional Science competitions, Recognition as members of the City of Dallas Children's Chorus, State competition in the National Geography Bee, Dance Ensemble for the Dallas Black Dance Theater and Performance for professors from The Berkley School of music. Areas of Improvement: During the next 3 years the school will strive to develop workable strategies to increase enrollment with families who can afford tuition. The school will secure a grant writer with sole responsibility of securing grants for students to attend who can not afford tuition. Page 4
Additional Information Provide any additional information you would like to share with the public and community that were not prompted in the previous sections. will continue to foster partnerships with professionals in the Arts Community, Corporations with emphasis on STEM enrichment and Leadership training opportunities with community professionals. Page 5