THE ACADEMY I
A Tradition of Excellence** Grand Prize Winner of the Nationwide 2008 Lexus Environmental Challenge for Middle Schools**
Established in September 1994, Academy I Middle School is known for its excellence in education throughout the district. An integrated institution, it is home to three distinct educational programs: the Accelerated and Enrichment Program – a district magnet program for academically talented students, the Bridges Program – a district-wide alternative education program, and a Special Needs program which is a magnet for the district’s Cognitive Mild and Cognitive Moderate students. Each program provides authentic opportunities for the entire student body of 350 middle school age students to significantly interact with diverse personalities and achievers thereby providing a broad, highly challenging authentic educational experience for all students.
Academy I is a community with a low student faculty ratio permitting close supervision. It is committed to optimal educational programs, which recognize the unique needs, diverse learning abilities and potential talents and interests of students. Academy I creates an atmosphere which provides learning opportunities for all students to develop and broaden their particular abilities and potentials.
Integrated into the instructional program is a commitment to the Arts. Students participate in choir, drama, and artistically talented classes. This year Academy I was able to bring in an instrumental teacher as part of a VH1 “Save the Music” grant. These programs enrich the scope of artistic experiences for the entire school community. Our Visual Arts program is highly involved within the Jersey City community. Many of our students participate in state, county, and district wide contests.
Students at Academy I are active participants in numerous contests, projects, and programs sponsored by local, county, and state agencies, organizations, and educational foundations. These include National Junior Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl, LEGO Robotics, ECybermission, Lexus Eco Challenge, Joint Activities, Athletic Intramurals through the Project “A” Team program, and a partnership with the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission (HMDC) Environmental Center. Academy I students are the Grand Prize winners of the 2008 Lexus Environmental Challenge, winning over $75,000 for the students, moderator, and school.
Academy I recognizes “Parents are Partners” in the education of our students. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend and participate in activities, events, and happenings on a continuous basis. Progress reports keep parents abreast of the academic commitment of their students. In addition, literature is disseminated on a full array of topics assisting parents in their continuous role as the child’s lifelong teacher. Academy I strives toward establishing processes that foster continuous improvement for all persons involved in schooling, including students, teachers, administrators, support staff, businesses and community members.
Contact person: Patricia Espejo, Library Media Specialist – pespejo@jcboe.org
Grace Moriarity
201-915-6500