What is a University-Model® school?
A University-Model education (UM) takes the best aspects of traditional, full-time public and private schools, as well as home schools, and molds them into one model. Adolesco Preparatory Academy allows parents to be intricately involved with the education of their children while having the benefit of professional classroom teachers to guide and evaluate the education process.
Where is the school located?
Adolesco Preparatory Academy hosts classes at a church in the Hammond, LA area -We believe God has strategically planted this school along the I-12 and I-55 corridor to reach families from Slidell to Baton Rouge and from Mississippi to Metairie.
What is the difference between homeschool co-ops and University-Model® schools (UMS)?
UMS and homeschool co-ops should not be equated. Homeschool co-ops are a good way for homeschooling families to pool their resources and expertise for specific and usually short-term study projects. One parent, for instance, may be especially proficient in math or science and teach a group of students that subject for a period of time. Generally speaking, homeschool co-ops are age-integrated, specialized, parent-run, and do not simulate a college structure. In some cases, co-ops also take over the primary responsibility of teaching certain courses instead of integrating the teacher and parent effectively for each course as is done in the University-Model®.
UMS is also different by virtue of having specific grade levels, consistent accountability from semester to semester, a full spectrum of courses complete with prerequisites, and a professional administration and faculty (much like a traditional school has) partnering with the parents.
What if parents aren’t teachers? How can they teach their children if they have never homeschooled?
Parents need not have teaching experience. Adolesco Preparatory Academy takes the lead in the area of academics. New concepts are introduced and taught at school by paid professional faculty, while the application of the concept often takes place at home much like that of college studies. Adolesco Prep teachers provide detailed course overviews and assignments each week while maintaining open lines of communication. Parents act as co-instructors under the guidance of the classroom teacher. In addition, the school offers training to parents in various areas including academics and character development. Finally, bear in mind that as a child progresses to higher grade levels, the academic role of the parent gradually migrates from that of co-instructor to proctor/mentor, so that by the time a student graduates he is prepared (trained and experienced) to assume the individual responsibility required for success at the collegiate level.
Both of us work full time outside our home. Would UMS work for us?
One of the most important ingredients in the success of the University-Model® is an available parent who can assist and properly work with the student. For a family in which both parents work outside the home on a full-time, or almost full-time, basis, a more traditional 35-40 hours/week school is probably a better choice.
Can students transfer into Adolesco Preparatory Academy after being in other schools?
Yes, Adolesco Prep does admit transfer students. However, due to the model of our school, we are unable to admit transfer students to academic classes after the start of the school year. It is important that all applicants go through our complete admissions process to help prepare for the unique partnership Adolesco Prep offers.
I have children in several different grade levels. How much time will each need to spend doing schoolwork on their days at home?
A rule of thumb at University-Model® schools is that for every hour spent in the classroom, an additional hour to hour-and-a-half on each core subject is required for our School@Home days. This rule, of course, varies according to the needs and age of a student. If a student is academically strong in a particular area, less time will be needed. If a student is weak in a subject or the subject is particularly challenging, then more time will be needed. Parents need to be alert to each of their children’s individual needs and lead them accordingly in the structuring of their time.
Since parents are team teaching with the teachers at school, how does communication take place between the two?
Communication between teachers and parents plays a large role in a UM® school, and there are several ways that clear communication can take place. Vitally important are the lesson plans and assignment sheets that are prepared by the teacher and made available to parents and students. Instructions to parents are included as part of these assignments, as are long-term study projects that are forthcoming. Parents are also invited to communicate any of their questions back to the teacher as needed.
Does this type of schooling fulfill state requirements?
Yes, our academic standards meet or exceed standards held by the State of Louisiana.
Does Adolesco Preparatory Academy teach Latin? Why?
Yes, Adolesco Preparatory Academy students are strongly encouraged to take Latin. The grammatical structure of English is based on Latin, as is about 50 percent of English vocabulary. Consequently, the study of Latin tends to expand students’ vocabularies, as well as enhance their grammar skills. Latin also prepares children for the study of other foreign languages; French, Spanish, etc.
In addition, contrary to popular belief, the study of Latin guards against arrogance. In his studies, a child begins to recognize that his world, his language, his vocabulary, and his way of expressing himself are only one way of living and thinking in a complicated world. Finally, the very process of learning Latin requires mental gymnastics that strengthen the mind.
Who chooses the curriculum?
The curriculum at Adolesco Preparatory Academy is chosen by the administration with a background in curriculum development. Much research and prayer are put into each decision. The prospective curriculum must be of high quality and conducive to our high standards in classical education. In addition, it must fit well within the University-Model® format allowing both primary teachers to effectively administer it in the formal classroom as well as co-teachers reinforcing it during School@Home days. Each year we will continue to evaluate the curriculum and make changes as needed.
Are there uniforms at Adolesco Preparatory Academy?
Yes. Click here to view. Adolesco Prep’s school number is 900192378.
What is the cost of tuition?
Because of the nature of the University-Model®, the cost of tuition for a full-time student will likely be less than a typical 5-day-a-week private college preparatory school. However, our desire to attract and retain the very best teachers will be reflected in our tuition as well. For more details, click here for our tuition page.
Is Adolesco Preparatory Academy governed by a church?
No, APA is independently governed by a board of men and women from this community.
Is Adolesco Preparatory School a non-profit organization?
Yes, Adolesco Prep is a registered non-profit organization formed in Louisiana and is a 501(c)(3).
Are colleges accepting students from University-Model® schools?
University-Model® schools have been in operation since 1993, now with roughly 100 across the United States. University-Model® students have no difficulty gaining entrance into colleges and universities. In fact, the majority of graduates have been awarded scholarships for academic achievement, student leadership, and athletic or artistic ability. UM® schools stay informed on the current and projected entrance requirements of major four-year universities. This allows school officials to be sure that the course offerings are meeting or exceeding college standards. In addition, UM® students, especially Classically educated, are attractive to colleges because of their strong work ethic, successful study habits, leadership skills, emotional maturity, and character as demonstrated through various student activities – academic, athletic, artistic, and governmental.
What grades are offered?
Adolesco Preparatory Academy offers grades Preschool through 9th grade. We plan to add 10th grade through 12th with each subsequent year.
Are you accredited?
Adolesco Preparatory Academy will be working alongside NAUMS, Inc. in the Fall of 2023 to become certified and simultaneously accredited through the highly esteemed COGNIA accreditation organization, formerly known as AdvancED.
Who are your teachers?
Adolesco Preparatory Academy teachers are hired professionals with extensive experience in education and training in their teaching field. Teachers must meet a defined set of criteria, first and foremost of which is a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They must also love children, have a passion for their subject, and a gift of teaching. Check out our Teacher bios on the About Page.
What are your class sizes?
Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, and Kindergarten: 12 Students / 1 Teacher
Grades 1-6: 16 Students / 1 Teacher
Grade 7-12: 18 Students / 1 Teacher
Do you have facilities/resources for learning exceptionalities?
Adolesco Prep does not have the appropriate adaptations, modifications, and accommodations for educating students with learning exceptionalities.
Do I have to sign the Statement of Faith in the application for admission?
We are best able to effectively partner with families when unified in our core beliefs; therefore, all legal guardians from each family must agree with and sign our Statement of Faith. As a discipleship school, Adolesco Preparatory Academy is committed to ministering to Christian families in order to reinforce and support the faith and Biblical worldview instilled in your child at home and at your local church. It is not the school’s desire, nor our role, to become the primary influence in a child’s life.
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