 | public-private partnership | moving the middle beyond | effective learning environment | high tech-high touch public-private partnership Star Achievers Academy YMCA is a unique public-private community partnership with Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology, a public elementary school in Hampton, Virginia. The partnership provides innovative programs, tools and resources necessary for the academic and personal success of children to reach their full potential. "I have been evaluating community-school partnerships for more than a decade or two, and the Hampton Star Achievers Academy stands out as one of the most exciting ones that I have ever seen." Lawrence Bailis, PhD. National Evaluator, Associate Professor, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy, Brandeis University. moving the middle beyond Our mission is to foster the talents and abilities of the "children in the middle", the often-overlooked average achieving student. The team of gifted teachers and staff believe that all children, given the right support, can learn. Students can attend the school from throughout the city. effective learning environment Cooper is the only elementary magnet school in the City of Hampton and is an exemplary learning environment that sets high expectations for its teachers, students and parents. Children are challenged to stretch to become the best they can be. The school has a welcoming, calm, caring and well disciplined atmosphere where children's efforts are valued and recognized. high tech with high touch (technology - character education) The unique focus on technology provides an environment that fosters analytical thinking, reasoning and creativity. More than computers, the technology program is integrated with all facets of learning. For example, kindergarten students working independently and completely at ease in navigating the phonics reading program, or 2nd graders using an electronic smart board, or the student-led closed-circuit television station demonstrates technology as a seamless part of the tools of the classroom and learning. Character Counts! The school-wide character education program stresses the importance of the six pillars of character: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness and citizenship. |