Peoria Academy

The Peoria Academy is an independent, secular, college preparatory school located in the northwestern end of Peoria, Illinois. The school was founded in 2000, and is governed by a board of trustees. The Academy is accredited through ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States). The school has an emphasis on personalized, hands-on, experiential learning. Foreign language instruction is administered to all grades.

Enrollment for the 2011–2012 school year stands at about 320 students.

History

In February 2000, a core group of parents, community members, and administrators founded Peoria Academy as an independent, private, non-profit school, serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. A 3 million dollar capital campaign was established to purchase the Knights of Columbus building on Willow Knolls Drive and renovations began immediately. Peoria Academy opened its doors in August 2000 with 137 students. In 2001, a Pre-K program was added, and additional classes were added at each grade level. Due to the growth of the school and insufficient space, the Board of Trustees began leasing the Notre Dame Youth Center, which is adjacent to the Peoria Academy property.

In 2010, founding Headmaster Karen Calder retired after ten years of service. A nationwide search was embarked upon by the Board of Trustees, with Mr. Brendan Sheerin, former Head of Intermediate School at the Potomac School, being selected as new Headmaster. In 2010, the school also began building additional classrooms to accommodate the growing student population. The results were two brand new, steel reinforced classrooms that also serve as a state-rated tornado shelters.

In 2011, a Pre-K3 program was added: the "Bulldog Buddies".

In 2012 Sheerin and the school separated and Sean Fitts, the current Middle School Science teacher and science department head for the school took the interim head position.

Technology

The school has implemented a one-to-one computer program in the Middle School. The 6th and 7th grader students are required to have an Android tablet computer with them while the 8th grader students have e-Book readers which are loaded with textbooks and other books used in classes. Many elementary classrooms have mounted projectors and Smartboards. Every middle school teacher had a PC and an Android tablet as well as a projector to assist in the instruction and implementation of technology in every curriculum. Moving forward the school plans have at least 5 up to date Windows 7 computers in every elementary classroom. At the same time the school plans to have every middle school students with a laptop computer for the 2012-2013 school year.

Fine Arts

Each year, middle school students present two theatrical productions ranging from popular Broadway musicals to dramas. The students are involved in every aspect of the productions, both on stage and behind the scenes. Primary students participate in a variety of assemblies throughout the school year.

In addition to regular course offerings in art and music, Peoria Academy offers lessons in the fine arts before and after school such as piano, Suzuki violin, dance and drama. Students have the opportunity to display their talents in musicals, dance performances and literary exhibitions throughout the year.

Foreign Language

Peoria Academy begins foreign language instruction at the Pre-K3 level, with instruction twice a week, in Spanish. Spanish instruction twice a week continues in all grade levels through the 4th grade. Through music, songs and games, children begin to learn the basic vocabulary and pronunciation.

In the 5th through 8th grades, students are given the opportunity to continue Spanish instruction or they may begin French instruction. In the 5th-8th grade, foreign language instruction is provided on a daily basis.

Every other year, students in 7th and 8th grade may opt to take a summer trip to a French or Spanish speaking country. This experience provides the students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in both the culture and the language of the country.

Athletics

Physical education and athletic programs part of the school's philosophy for developing the whole child. Peoria Academy emphasizes self-improvement, physical fitness, team concepts, and individual skill progression. The overall focus is on successful participation by each student, regardless of athletic ability. In competitive sports and cheerleading, Peoria Academy is proud has a no-cut policy to encourage maximum participation by all interested students.

Peoria Academy's athletics provide opportunities for students to participate in various sports at developmentally appropriate levels. Students are expected to demonstrate cooperative play, commitment to their team and adherence to rules and guidelines as established by each coach. The goal is to develop young people athletically, academically, and to better prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead.

Peoria Academy teams compete locally with both public and parochial schools. They currently participate in IESA in basketball, and cross country. In 2010–11, the volleyball team will be a part of IESA, as well. Soccer competition is part of a community league and the team plays all of its games in Washington, Illinois.

Peoria Academy sports include: Girls' Basketball, Boys' Basketball, Cheerleading, Soccer, Volleyball, and Cross Country.

External links

• Peoria Academy — official site
• Peoria Academy Music Department