St. John’s Jesuit Academy named an Essential School |
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Written by CHRISTINE ALEXANDER, St. John's Jesuit Academy
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Wednesday, 22 October 2008 01:00 |
TOLEDO—In the four years since St. John’s Jesuit Academy opened, the all-boys junior high has steadily grown and enjoyed full enrollment. Principal Chris Knight says adding more programs and enhancing the learning experience have been keys.
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| Eighth-graders from St. John’s Jesuit Academy take a break from a canoe trip on the Maumee River. The academy has earned the designation “Essential School.” (Photo courtesy of St. John’s Jesuit Academy) |
Now the academy has achieved new distinction earning the designation as an Essential School.
“For more than 20 years the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) has been at the forefront of creating and sustaining personalized, equitable and intellectually challenging schools. The network encompasses hundreds of schools throughout the country, including six in Ohio,” says Mr. Knight.
Essential schools are characterized by personalization, equity, intellectual vitality and excellence. Fr. Joaquin Martinez, president, explains, “The environment stresses personalized learning communities. Teachers and students develop a climate of trust and foster high expectations. The ultimate goal is what we nurture in Jesuit education —helping students reach their fullest potential.”
Mr. Knight says Essential Schools focus on helping all students use their minds well through inter-disciplinary studies and real world learning. “There is also an emphasis on performance-based assessment which is more rigorous, personalized and relevant,” he adds.
While Essential Schools are not identical, they all share a commitment to common principles. Among these are: having instruction that addresses individual needs and interests; having classrooms where students and teachers know each other well and work in an atmosphere of trust and high expectations; making assessments based on performance of authentic tasks; and developing close community partnerships.
“The Academy staff believes these principles are compatible with our mission and help form the foundation of our program,” Mr. Knight says. “We are all excited to become a member of the Coalition and look forward to more fully integrating the Common Principles into our school community.”
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Last Updated on Monday, 22 December 2008 11:12 |
