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.