New school to offer small classes, personalized programs

The school will have five classes: junior kindergarten and kindergarten, grades one and two, grades three and four, and grades five and six. Each class will have no more than 10 students, and the model is meant to put student needs first.

“For children that have some achievement gaps, we can address those in the classroom,” explained Printz. “As well as any children who really want to excel. Right now, the government has them grouped based on age rather than ability, so we have the fluidity, if a child is achieving higher, we can move them through that.”

Prior to running Accelerated Potential Christian Academy, Printz was tutoring students who were unable to access the supports needed in the classroom. She says the idea for the school came from interest from parents seeking tutoring for their children outside of school.

“Parents said ‘we’re looking for something uniquely different, what can you offer us?'” said Printz. “So, this is the model we came up with.”

The school offers an individualized program for every student enrolled based on their ability. Printz conducts assessments to help develop each program.

“Even though they are with their peers, they are working on a program that is specific for them and where they are at,” explained Printz.

Accelerated Potential Christian Academy offers four-day school weeks where students are off every Friday. Printz says it is designed to give families more time together.

“Families keep saying ‘we’re so busy on the weekend!’ so we said what about an extra day?'” said Printz. “Just just like to be home and chill, and with sports or other activities on the weekend it doesn’t always happen.”

The academy is approved to offer education up to grade nine and Printz says the plan is to expand in the coming years. She adds the curriculum is designed to build foundational skills that will allow students to integrate smoothly into the regular school system when that time comes.

“Whatever they accomplish in our program is transferable to any other school,” Printz said. “We’re giving them those skills, those critical thinking skills, those problem-solving skills,… those children will integrate very well, almost seamlessly into the regular school system.”

Registration is almost at capacity but Printz encourages anyone interested in the program to contact the school and get on the waitlist, adding more spots could open up in September.

by Meghan Cobb

New school to offer small classes, personalized programs

Our Community