Our Academy
Vision:
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 campus is
firmly rooted in the conviction of Dean Jane Conoley, 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:
• A school campus for grades 7-12
• Administration, faculty, and personnel dedicated to the
mission of the Academy
• Housing for students and faculty
• State-of-the-art technology/media center
• Student Union building
• Cultural and family center
• Sports programs
• Art and music programs
• Senior housing for a ‘Foster Grandparent’
program
• A medical clinic
The educational environment at The Children’s Project Academy
will immerse students in rigorous and innovative academic programs
along with athletic, developmental, and social activities. The
residential environment will provide students with extra time
and support to focus on basic skills development. Instructors,
mentors, and foster grandparents will live alongside the students.
The charter school and state-licensed group home will operate
together to support and guide the students through their school
years, and beyond.
History:
A local foundation provided funds to create The Children’s
Project of Santa Barbara County. Over forty members of a Steering
Committee, comprised of key public officials and community leaders,
worked to address the escalating problematic outcomes of their
foster children. The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors
passed a resolution in support of The Children's Project, underscoring
the collaborative nature of this public/private venture. The
result of this association is California’s first charter
boarding school designed exclusively for the foster children.
Purpose:
The Children’s Project Foundation is committed to the development
and support of the nation’s first charter boarding school
dedicated exclusively to the educational and vocational future
of foster children. The Academy, located in Santa Barbara County,
is dedicated to the concept that a nurturing, stable, and academically
challenging residential environment will transform the present
outcomes for foster youth.
The educational environment at The Children’s Project Academy
will immerse students in rigorous and innovative academic programs
along with athletic, developmental, and social activities. The
residential environment will provide students with extra time
and support to focus on basic skills development. Instructors,
mentors, and foster grandparents will live alongside the students.
The charter school and state-licensed group home will operate
together to support and guide the students through their school
years, and beyond.
Accomplishments:
Worked with a steering committee to envision and plan a rural
academic community.
Secured grants from the California State Department of Education;
the Orfaela Family Foundation; the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation;
the Weingart Foundation (this was an up-front grant of $50,000,
which was matched in June 2007); and substantial very generous
donations from an anonymous donor.
Obtained agreement from Santa Barbara County Office of Education
to hold our charter.
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