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: New 911 consolidation is good for county
When it comes to emergencies, a fast and proper response is sometimes the difference between life and death. Therefore it is important for 911 services to be coordinated for the best response time. It’s even better if those services are consolidated with one location fielding calls from multiple areas.
-
Editorial: On Valentine’s Day, indulge in selfishness of volunteering
In the final analysis, we’re all selfish beings. Everything we do, at its core, is motivated by what is good for us.
-
You Said It: About roundabouts, Mayor Smith’s firings, recycling, State of City address
The bottom line in Mayor Kevin Smith’s State of the City address Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s luncheon at Anderson Country Club was simple: To attract investment, you have to make investments. (Article published Feb. 4.)
-
Editorial: Firings show inability to turn foes into friends
Politics is a double-edged sword.
-
Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
-
Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
-
Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
-
Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
-
Editorial: Reality returns after Super Bowl mania
While we loved what the Super Bowl did for our reputation, it’s time to get back to the real world. Let’s recap the lost week.
-
You Said It: About contract, 'Teen Mom,' State of the City
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com, coupled with responses by the newspaper’s editorial board.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
Editorial: New 911 consolidation is good for county
