What is The Buffalo Academy of Scholars (“The Academy”)?
The Academy is a newly formed Buffalo private school, designed as a boutique educational program for students in grades 5 through 12.
How does The Academy differ from traditional private schools?
The Academy differs from traditional private schools in nearly every way. Each student receives a customized schedule and learning plan that includes:
- One-on-one instruction in English Language Arts, mathematics, foreign language, social studies, science and the arts
- A personalized learner profile based on assessed strengths and needs
- Individualized curriculum that is aligned with the profile
- Encouragement and opportunities to “think about their thinking” (metacognition) by completing a class-by-class learning log and understanding which strategies have proven successful in helping them become more efficient and effective learners
- A learning portfolio that chronicles the student’s educational journey and includes his or her reflections on new learning, cognitive growth and the challenges encountered
- Learning Strategies class teaches students how to study, how to organize themselves, and the importance of accepting responsibility for managing their school, study and free time
- Establishing targeted benchmarks and lessons to maximize success
- Small group lessons for application-based learning, debate and group presentations
What makes The Academy a “boutique” educational experience?
In addition to customized, one-on-one teaching, The Academy provides:
- Physical education classes focusing on fitness, wellness, and participation in activities that become life-long habits. We pay special attention to the relationship between nutrition and fitness.
- Field trips. These community based applied learning experiences align with topics that are being taught in school, including local and state history and career development understanding. Together, we visit businesses, historic sites, and centers for the arts in Erie County and throughout Western New York. Out-of-town field trips to New York City and Europe are being planned during 2014-2015.
- Learning Strategies group classes include discussion and activities focused on:
- Current world and local events
- Real-life projects requiring research, writing and oral presentations that will lead to group debate
- Discussions that develop a sense of self, analyze components of successful peer and family relationships, and assist students in developing self confidence
- Activities that develop an awareness of entrepreneurship and its role in school and work success
- Community service through volunteer activities designed to teach students the importance of becoming productive, giving citizens
What makes The Academy’s approach to learning different?
The Academy stands out from other Buffalo private schools because of our one-on-one learning model and the high academic standards we set. Students are expected to:
- Journal their daily learning immediately following each class. They are shown how to reflect upon their thinking and how to effectively analyze their understandings (metacognition).
- Participate in 30-50 minute Applied Learning sessions following each one-on-one class. These are comprised of a teacher and small groups of students, all working on the day’s assignments or teacher designed tasks.
- Complete all work and have it reviewed by a teacher to verify its accuracy—before leaving school for the day. Out of school assignments are comprised of recommended reading, elective books and articles, as well as long-term projects. There is no homework.
- Create an electronic portfolio that chronicles learning in all courses, allowing students to reflect upon the progress they are making in their own learning. The portfolio continues for each year students attend the school.