Tuscaloosa AcademyIndividual Attention.

Maximum Opportunity.

Summary Statement

• Tuscaloosa Academy is a community that cherishes its status as an independent school, which in turn advances individual attention and maximum opportunity, in and out of the classroom, in so doing prepares students for college and life.

What’s New

• Staffing• Heather Diggs• Rob Kettlewell• Hannah Sullivan• Chris Mullinax

• Structure• RenWeb• Administration roles

TA - Points of Emphasis 2013-2014

Security

Educational integration of technology

Curriculum Mapping

• Process

• Critical elements• Communication

• Accountability

• Reflection

What are some of the things we mean by…

Individual Attention. Maximum Opportunity.

• Small classes• Personal connections• Hidden Curriculum• Unlimited Participation• Second language learning• PE &/or athletics…• Fine arts• Technology• Lots & lots of good food…

Or…in the words of some of our families…

•The teachers and the attention they give my children. I also like the international diversity.•Superior academics and character development. Safety.•The fact that my kids are happy and thriving.•The feeling of belonging. The students as a whole are very close.• I like the communication and responsiveness of the staff... I believe that they truly care abut my child...•That all of my children's teachers KNOW them and not just their names.•My children are comfortable at school and look forward to attending. It is an integral part of their lives.

Or…in Terms of Long Term Outcomes…

• Historically our graduation rate is 100%

• AP results from this past two years indicate that 74% of the exams written received a 3 or higher (national average 50%)

• Our results on standardized tests like the ACT and SAT are among the highest in the state…24 ACT average (includes all TA students…)

• The slate of colleges our students attend is among the most impressive in the state (e.g., Rice, Vanderbilt, SMU, UVA, Georgetown, Yale)

• Perhaps, most important, our alumni come back and tell us again and again how well prepared they felt they were for their college experience.

Concluding Thoughts

• Issues: always in person, always in order• Get connected…knowledge is power• Website…general information• Parent Handbook…specifics• Dynacal…school calendar• RenWeb…classroom portal• Division Newsletters• HM Blog & Coffees• Get involved