Our Academy

The Campus

The Academy campus will nurture foster youth into educated, self-aware, passionate, responsible young adults with integrity and respect for others. The vision for the Academy is firmly rooted in the conviction of Dr. Jane Conoley, Dean of the UCSB Graduate School of Education, that, “the single greatest therapeutic tool in overcoming adversity is a great education.”  A great education is cultivated in an environment dedicated in every way to the growth and support of its students.  To this end, the Academy will provide an environment that includes:

• Administration, faculty, and personnel dedicated to the mission of the Academy
• An innovative and creative curriculum
• Housing for students, faculty and staff
• Senior housing for a “Foster Grandparent” program
• A Student Union building
• A Cultural and family center
• Sports programs for players and student coaches
• Art and music programs
• A State-of-the-art technology/media center
• A medical clinic
• An energy and resource efficient “green” campus that will be utilized as a community environmental classroom.

At full capacity, the Academy will serve approximately 120 children each year. Success will be measured with each child who graduates from the Academy and transitions into college, vocational school, or work and independent living. The Academy will serve as a life-long touchstone, a safe, supportive environment that will give its students a secure launching pad toward their future.