Blog

The countdown has begun! Even if your teen has lamented being bored lately, school’s start brings a mix of emotions. Transitions can be tough. Teach your children these steps to ease the transition process. Honor emotions involved. Check in. Explore the perceived losses and benefits/joys this transition offers. Ask what will be missed about the… Read More »

Running Start is a bargain—free college classes for 11th and 12th grade students who pass the entrance test. Students can take all classes at the community college, or part at college and part at high school. They can pick the hours or even study online. One quarter of English is the equivalent of a year… Read More »

Remember the engaging teacher who made learning come to life? Decades later the learning is still with you. We want this powerful retention for our students. We want learning to be deep and relevant…to transfer to new situations and empower our teens. Listening to lectures and reading textbooks are passive, versus the active engagement of… Read More »

The research is clear: small class sizes lead to success. The relationships formed, expectations raised from knowing students well, and attention given in small classes impact learning substantially. Class size is considered more important than school size, teacher qualifications, or any other indicator. (http://www.classsizematters.org/research-and-links/) With middle and high schools of 500-2000 students, it is easy… Read More »

Watching LEADPrep teens navigate their first week of service learning in Guatemala, we are impressed! We see students adapting to dramatically different ways of eating, showering, communicating, using the bathroom, etc. Students who are sometimes reluctant to be actively involved are diving into new situations. They are trying new foods and customs with open minds.… Read More »

What defines happiness? LEADPrep students will be researching this question on their 17-day service learning trip to Guatemala. In a few weeks they will become immersed in Guatemalan home stays and the Spanish language.  They will volunteer at local schools and visit an ex-refugee camp. Throughout all of this, they will be encouraged to challenge… Read More »

When a university is admitting a new student, the student’s grades are considered. So are external, universal standards such as SAT or ACT scores. Admissions officers know this score is less subjective than grades. When a school wants to show it is aligned with excellence, it often chooses external measurement and feedback through accreditation. AdvancEd… Read More »

January, a time of new beginnings. We chose a new name to start the year with focus and intention. No more explaining the “L” in L & E Academy; now we spell it out. The students chose: Leadership Preparatory Academy. “LEADPrep” for short. This year at LEADPrep will be filled with providing 7th-12th grade students… Read More »

The gap between boys’ and girls’ leadership opportunities needs to be eliminated. The National Education Association’s (NEA) 2014 study details needs. (http://www.eschoolnews.com/2014/10/02/girls-leadership-roles-549/) It is essential that educators help girls take on leadership roles. “Leadership isn’t a class that you take. It’s how you live and breathe. Girls’ leadership in the classroom must be natural,” states… Read More »

Writer Kare Anderson knows we want to use our talents to create something meaningful with our lives. In this week’s TED Talk of the Week, “Be an Opportunity Maker” (http://www.ted.com/talks/kare_anderson_be_an_opportunity_maker?), she explains that our trials can be used to help others. Her challenge of chronic shyness becomes a tool to help others find and use… Read More »