Founders Academy at Beacon Charter School
Background Beacon Charter School was founded in 2003 to offer high quality, arts-based curriculum to student artists in grades 9-12. Beacon has consistently ranked among the top schools in the state in reading and writing, while failing to consistently reach the same level of success in mathematics. Founders Academy was established to address these core academic skills.
Mission Beacon Charter School for the Arts develops artistic thinkers by nurturing self-expression while preparing our graduates with the academic skills necessary for sustained postsecondary success. Founders Academy , an integral part of the Beacon School, provides an academically rigorous curriculum promoting a strong foundation in the areas of math, reading, and writing, while introducing students to each of Beacon’s rich arts programs.
Organizational Structure
Overview ● Founders Academy uses personalized instruction and a comprehensive assessment system to address students’ skill development needs. ● Like Beacon’s high school, Founders Academy provides a safe, supportive, and accepting school climate. ● Class sizes of approximately 16, 48 per grade
Overview, continued ● Students who successfully complete eighth grade at Founders Academy are automatically enrolled at Beacon Charter High School for the Arts. ● The preparation received at Founders Academy provides a strong foundation for high school academics.
Course of Study Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Mathematics 6 Mathematics 7 Mathematics 8 or Algebra I English Language Arts 6 English Language Arts 7 English Language Arts 8 Social Studies 6 Social Studies 7 Social Studies 8 Science 6 Science 7 Science 8 Health/Physical Education 6 Health/Physical Education 7 Health/Physical Education 8 Technology 6 Technology 7 Technology 8 Arts Studio Sampler Arts Studio Sampler Arts Studio Sampler
Schedule ● School year is traditional 180 days ● School hours are from 8am to 2:35pm ● Classes are 50 minutes long and run all year ● Daily IDEA block for Intervention, Discussion, Enrichment, and Achievement
Standards-based Instruction ● All curriculum is designed by the school’s faculty in conjunction with high school counterparts ● Math and English follow Common Core Standards ● Science courses follow Next Generation Science Standards ● Other academic areas are based upon standards appropriate to that field of study.
Special Education Services ● Services provided following “push in” approach whenever possible-inclusive model with special educator co-teaching. ● Each student with an IEP is assigned to a Special Educator/Case Manager. ● Local Advisory Committee meets monthly-typically first Tuesday of each month.
Special Education 2017 Survey Results ● Parents favorably viewed the school’s efforts to partner with families: Beacon Schools = 97% RI Average = 81% ● Favorable view of teachers and administrators: Beacon Schools = 97% RI Average = 87%
Arts @ Founders Academy Throughout the three years of middle school, students sample courses of study in arts: Visual, Theatre, and Culinary. At the end of eighth grade, students will complete a formal presentation to the arts faculty of the high school, making a case for their placement in a particular arts major starting in ninth grade.
After School Activities Founders is home to a rich variety of after school activities, including: ● Glee Club ● Jazz Band ● Craft Club ● National Junior Honor Society ● Student Council ● And many more… Clubs are established based on student interests and obtaining a faculty advisor.
Transportation/Lunches ● Busing available from Burrillville, North Smithfield, Cumberland, and areas of Woonsocket ● School lunch and breakfast available ● Free/Reduced lunch applications must be completed by all accepted students
Applications ● Apply directly on our website http://www.beaconart.org/admissions.php ● Waiting lists ● Shadow opportunity ● Applications active only for the current year (A new application required every year.) ● Application deadline: Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 4pm. ● Lottery held Friday, March 1, 2019.
Founders Academy Online ● www.beaconart.org ● www.facebook.com/BeaconFounders
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