Specialty Academies Policy

Policy: 16

SPECIALTY ACADEMIES
Fee paying secondary school academies offered in the District reflect the Ministry of Education initiative of providing more choices for parents and students. Students vary greatly in their needs and school programs require flexibility and variety to meet those needs. While the range of interests and desires of all parents and students may not necessarily be met within the public school system, there may be instances which support the provision of fee-paying academies at the secondary level with the expectation to retain and/or attract students to the District.

Specifically

1. Academy Objectives
1.1 The major goal of fee-paying academies at the secondary level will be to provide opportunities for students to reach their potential in a specialized environment. The District will always place student learning first and will ensure student success in both academics and in personal growth.
1.2 Fee paying academies will provide students with the opportunity:
1.2.1 To improve their base skill levels related to the focus of the Academy;
1.2.2 To enhance personal development through continuous specialized programming;
1.2.3 To nurture healthy attitudes and behaviours consistent with academic and/or athletic and creative success;
1.2.4 To explore and develop their talents and strive to reach their full potential possible;
1.2.5 To build self-confidence and esteem allowing for risk-taking and pursuit of excellence;
1.2.6 To enhance post secondary entrance and scholarship opportunities.
1.3 The goal is to help students to develop skills of academic and artistic and/or athletic success, critical thinking, goal setting and self-confidence. As students learn the values of teamwork, personal commitment, and responsibility, they also learn to place a high priority on the achievement of personal and group excellence. As a result, students who leave a District academy will have a strong academic foundation for lifelong learning, and would have received an exceptional training and discipline in a focused success-oriented program. Academy students will acquire the ability to reach their full potential and to pursue a wide variety of career and life opportunities and positively contribute to society.

2. Program Development
2.1 Establishment of any such academy shall be governed by the following conditions/criteria:
2.1.1 The academy must be consistent with “Vision 2030”.
2.1.2 The academy must have sufficient students, qualified coaches, staff, facilities and necessary resources.
2.1.3 The academy fulfils a student need considered to be of priority to the Board and which is not currently met within the District.
2.1.4 The academy does not directly or negatively affect the educational programs, schedules and operations of the school or neighbouring schools.
2.1.5 Admittance will be available to all students on the basis of the established criteria of the academy and within the financial structure of the academy’s business plan. Opportunities for District student accessibility will be provided through bursaries to the satisfaction of the Board.
2.1.6 A business plan shall be provided to the Board and shall provide a financial accounting to the satisfaction of the Board.

3. The Board shall allow a period of ninety (90) days during the school year or as otherwise directed by the Board for consultation to take place between the time that a proposal to consider a fee-paying secondary academy comes to the Board and when the final decision to proceed with the academy is approved a public Board meeting.

Legal Reference: Sections 2, 3, 3.1, 4, 6, 7, 7.1, 22, 65, 74.1, 75, 75.1, 82.1, 85 School Act
Special Academy Criteria Regulation 219/08
Revised: June 2022

Policy 16