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Academy of the Americas provides education in a culturally diverse environment with support and energy from its surrounding predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. Besides encouraging academic success through special programs like DAPCEP, Si Se Puede Math Club and the Summer Learning Academy, the Academy provides English/Spanish language tutoring, counseling and health services.
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The school uses the language immersion model to keep native Spanish speaking families connected to their heritage while introducing a different culture to English speakers. This approach allows diverse groups in community to appreciate each others’ culture and to accept unique differences. For instance, besides celebrating Hispanic holidays, the Academy celebrates African History Month and other different cultural activities.
With a more than fifty percent of its staff bilingual, the school is equipped to handle the concerns of Spanish speaking parents as well as to provide a strong curriculum in bi-lingual literacy. The Parent Resource Center sends bilingual information home because they understand the importance and need to incorporate the two languages in all data provided to the community.
The Academy also keeps families updated on community issues and events and get involved in neighborhood issues. Concern about gang violence became a community concern with community members invited to collectively address drug and gang related issues with positive action steps. Overall the Academy frequently sends out community reviews to ensure high participation and development, while promoting community pride. The school is currently promoted as a school of exemplary achievement by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, because of its strong connection in the Latino community.
Students are encouraged to challenge themselves by being active in innovative program opportunities on self development and academic improvement. One example, El Arte Alliance assists students in learning culturally and creatively through Arts Centered Education. By integrating hands on activities and strengthening problem solving abilities, achievement is highly prized and is constantly being evaluated.
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