Some hallmarks of successful educational programs are results, positive acceptance by students and parents, and the hope of expansion.
Anderson Preparatory Academy seems to be garnering positive acceptance for its programs which are currently limited to sixth through ninth grades.
The academy, 3205 W. 25th St., recently received zoning approval to expand its classrooms to provide for students up to 12th grade at the vacant Westvale Elementary, 2200 W. 22nd St.
The academy expanded to a ninth grade this year and will add one grade level until it has classes in grades 6-12. The school has received state approval for a $3.5 million bond to renovate Westvale.
This is all good news for Anderson, where a vacant school site will again come to life with students. It heralds a positive note for a charter school but let’s remind public school families that the charter approach is not always the best route for a student.
Judging by ISTEP test scores, APA has a long route. For the first time this year, sixth- through eighth-grade students were tested. None of the averages matched or were higher than state averages. However, the same can be said of Anderson public schools, where most of APA’s 235 students formerly attended. Two good signs are APA’s 96 percent attendance rate and a racial mix similar to Anderson schools.
APA’s military structure is arranged so that all students participate in the Cadet Program of the Civil Air Patrol, the civilian volunteer organization sponsored by the U.S. Air Force. That regimen can only work for students who need more structure in their classroom experience. But for now, Anderson Preparatory Academy is holding its own compared to Anderson schools.
We’re encouraged by Anderson Preparatory Academy’s expansion into a second facility. Even more so, we applaud the availability of another educational option for area students. The promise of the academy’s expansion and the still-thriving hopes of the public school community serve to make our community more attractive.
Editorials
Editorial: Academy expansion adds to city's options
Anderson Prep seems to be garnering positive acceptance for its programs
- Editorials
-
-
Editorial: Memorial Day helps put face on wounded warriors
This is the perfect weekend to thank a veteran, an active duty service member or a wounded warrior for his or her service. Our positive, encouraging response goes a long way in defining our society.
-
Editorial: Honor those who fought, and celebrate our freedom
This weekend, keep in mind the reason for Memorial Day — to remember those who have been so important in our lives, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice in military service.
-
Editorial: Governor candidates offer conservatism, moderation
The jockeying for position has begun in what is basically a two-horse gubernatorial race. Each offers voters a legitimate option. The November outcome may offer a simple referendum on the mindset of voters: Are they most persuaded by Mike Pence’s conservatism or by John Gregg’s moderation?
-
Editorial: Keep up the chorus against the landfill
Occupy Anderson has joined the ever-growing chorus against the proposed Mallard Lake landfill. Sam Mudd, a member of Occupy, is taking his studies on how the landfill might pollute Anderson’s water to areas of the county to drum up support against the landfill.
-
Editorial: Find a buyer for former school or tear it down
If a buyer wants the former Pendleton Heights Middle School, fine, but put no more taxpayer money into it.
-
Editorial: Libraries must adapt to serve communities
Certainly, the Friends of the Anderson Public Library needs space to store and sell used books, records, DVDs and other material. But library supporters and staff must be flexible in this ever-changing world to keep public facilities relevant.
-
You Said It: About Walking Men, the Queen of Disco and settled lawsuits
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com.
-
Editorial: Ockomon-Spencer saga hurt city's reputation
Wednesday, May 16, was a sad day for Anderson taxpayers forced to pay a $128,000 bill that ends a saga that never should have started
-
Editorial: It's Pendleton's time to shine this weekend
The residents of Pendleton can be a little prouder of themselves today. Two events capture the community spirit that makes the town one of the gems in our region.
-
Editorial: Little 500 Festival, local events heating up Saturday
Like the Indianapolis 500, Anderson Speedway’s Little 500 should be on the bucket list for folks living in the Madison County area.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
