A Journey That Changes Lives
Preparing for the Journey
Finding the Academy
Boys in Baltimore City face a reality that just over half of male students will graduate from high school. Academy students find their way to us in many ways including current and former families, their church, a teacher, or a mentor. Our students come from 26 zip codes throughout Baltimore. The one thing all students have in common - the desire for a better educational opportunity and a more promising future.
The Admissions Process
The Academy’s admissions’ process begins with an opportunity for parents or guardians and their child to learn more about us at an Open House event. The application includes a personal interview of each student and his parent or guardian, teacher recommendations, and other important information. After applying eligible candidates are invited to attend JumpStart, a Saturday program required of all candidates. During JumpStart, faculty have an opportunity to get to know and evaluate perspective students during small group instruction and active play while their parents or guardians attend special sessions to learn more about the Academy’s academic program, expectations and how they can support their student. Upon completion of the JumpStart program, 30 students are offered admission.
The Journey Begins
July Term
July 1st marks the beginning of our school year and the start of our new students’ journey. Every student attends July Term, a four-week term that focuses on academics and fun. For our new 5th grade students, the term offers an opportunity to learn the ropes in addition to academic studies. All students participate in daily instruction in both math, reading and English. Additionally, students have an opportunity to participate in grade-specific projects.
The August to May Term
After a brief break, all students return at the end of August for the two semesters that mirror the traditional school year, which runs from the end of August through May.
8:10 A.M. Breakfast
Each morning, our students’ day begins with a healthy breakfast to fuel their day. Students are also provided lunch and afternoon snack prepared fresh daily by Whitsons Culinary Group whose healthy, homemade meals are low in sugar and additives and high in great taste.
8:35 A.M.-3:30 P.M. Academic Classes
Academy students move throughout our building during the day, attending a variety of challenging, interactive classes. All students participate in physical education, art, music and religious studies.
Advisory
Students are assigned to an advisory, a small team of students that will work together throughout the year along with their faculty advisor. During Advisory, students discuss and explore issues and work on special projects. Advisories compete in various events throughout the year including Brotherhood Day.
3:30-5:00 P.M. Study Hall (Mon & Wed)
Students who need a little help work with volunteer tutors and teachers to help them gain a firmer academic footing.
4:00-5:00 P.M. Clubs (Wednesdays)
Students are offered a wide variety of clubs lead by faculty and staff throughout the year. From robotics to knitting, and yearbook to games. Students have the chance to develop new skills and interests.
A Time To Catch Up
Breakfast time also allows students an opportunity to socialize, play games, catch up with friends and faculty. Additionally, morning announcements are made including important reminders and kudos.
Building Character
Students wear uniforms each day and line up and greet their teachers as they enter each class shaking hands and learning to make eye contact.
Technology
Preparing our students for future studies and careers, the use of technology is integrated into every classroom. All students in grades 5th through 8th are assigned a Chromebook to use everyday.
3:30-5:00 P.M. Athletics (Tu & Th)
All students in grades 6th through 8th engage in athletics all year round. Students chose each season to participate in either interscholastic or intramural teams. Academy teams compete against other middle schools in soccer, cross country, wrestling, basketball, baseball and lacrosse.
Weekly Chapel and Daily Examen
Each week, students gather and participate in a school-wide Chapel where broad themes are discussed and reflected upon. Each afternoon, all activity stops for five minutes to allow students and faculty to reflect on their day, their actions and interactions, and what might they do differently tomorrow by praying the Examen taught by St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Summer Camp
At the beginning of June, rising 7th and 8th graders spend up to two weeks at Camp Crimson Knight, the Academy’s very own faculty-run summer camp. Camp is held near Buckeystown, MD, and the location offers plenty of room to run, hike and participate in outdoor activities like basketball, horseshoes and swimming. Camp provides students an opportunity to explore and learn outside of the classroom whiling enjoying a traditional summer camp experience. Each day, advisories meet for “book club”, compete in activities, and students have an opportunity to select a daily elective which may include strawberry picking, arts and crafts, wood working, canoeing, hiking, or a trip to a local farm or historic site. At the same time, our rising 6th grade students attend a day camp at the Academy. Our college-aged graduates work alongside our full-time faculty during both camp programs as part of our Summer Leadership Institute.
GRADUATION
At the end of May, students, families, faculty, sponsors and supporters gather to celebrate our 8th graders as the graduate from the Academy. This very special ceremony marks the end of the Academic term and is held at Saint Ignatius Church on North Calvert Street.
Preparing for the Future
The Role of Graduate Support
In addition to preparing our students academically, socially and emotionally for a college-preparatory high school and beyond, the Academy’s Graduate Support Program is a vital part of our and our graduates’ success. Two full-time Graduate Support Counselors begin working with each student in the 7th grade, getting a sense of their goals for high school and helping them access alternative learning opportunities to help them get there. During July Term, the team meets with every 8th grade student and his family to make a high school admission plan, help with applications and financial aid forms, and schedule shadow days at high schools.
High School Fair
Each fall, the Academy hosts a high school fair for 7th and 8th grade students and their families. Approximately 30 schools attend including local independent and private parochial schools, competitive public schools, and boarding schools from Virginia to New England. In addition to the fair, the Academy provides opportunities for students to visit and shadow at local high schools.
Career Week
Each spring, graduates visit the Academy for Career Week, providing students with insight and inspiration on what they may want to do in the future. Volunteers including news reporters, security analysts, firefighters, graphic designers, engineers, lawyers, pilots, dentists, barbers and career military have shared their educational and professional journeys with students.