Frequently Asked Questions About the Academy

WHAT ARE THE STUDENT HOURS?

Students will receive an additional 45 minutes of instruction per day when compared to traditional middle school schedules. The school day begins at 8:00am for all students and dismissal is at 3:45pm. Students also attend an additional 20 school days during the year.

WHAT ARE THE FIVE PILLARS AND HOW DO THEY AFFECT HOW THE SCHOOL OPERATES?

The five pillars have been established to drive the instructional and structural focus of the school.  Allen Jay Preparatory Academy is designed to accelerate students on the pathway to college while providing a supportive and engaging environment where middle schools students can thrive.  To that end, it is essential that students recognize that there are no shortcuts to success and hard work is a critical component of achieving success.  We also believe that students must develop strong character and leadership skills that can be utilized to serve others in the home, school, and community.  Instruction is most effective when it is engaging and relevant to the lives of today's students.  Therefore, AJ Prep Academy utilizes innovative instructional methods that include the use of music and movement in the classroom on a daily basis.  Students will also be challenged in a rigorous environment that stretches students to achieve their absolute best.  As a result, all school activities and programs will center around Effort, Rigor, Leadership, Character, and Innovative Instruction.

WILL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN FIELD TRIPS?

 All students will participate in local field trips to area college campuses each year.  Each grade level will also participate in an educational trip to visit various cities and attractions out of state.  Examples include grade level trips to Washington, D.C., Charleston, SC and Atlanta Ga.

WHAT IS THE DAILY SCHEDULE?

 The structure of AJ Preparatory Academy is strengthened through daily team meetings and weekly celebrations.  The day will begin with a full school meeting each morning in the Rock Gym.  Students will enter between 7:45 – 8:00 and will participate in morning rallies and activities.  Guest speakers, student performances, and house presentations will occur during these meetings.  Students will transition into literacy block until approximately 9:10 each day.  Students will then attend core classes of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.  Students will also attend daily elective classes including physical education, technology and the arts for a total of 80 minutes.