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All Cedar Hill Preparatory Academy students commit for a year of instruction. (Note: See “Holidays” below as well as our school calendar for specific dates of attendance).
Instructional Setting
Also important is the instructional setting in which our philosophies (located on Cedar Hill Preparatory Academy's main page) are carried out. Cedar Hill Preparatory Academy is first and foremost student-centered, allowing for the flexibility to make individual student needs happen. This occurs through a mixture of instructional settings from one-on-one instruction to instruction presented in mixed-age groups, all based on student needs.
One-on-One Instruction/Mixed-Age Groups
It should be no surprise that research has shown that one-on-one tutorial is the most effective form of schooling, in part because a teacher can provide tailor-made instruction for the individual student. While we have made this a priority for certain components of language arts and mathematics instruction, it is not possible for all classes. For example, Social Studies and Science are taught in mixed-age groups. In a non-tutorial situation (such as a mixed-age group) an instructor cannot effectively impart new knowledge to all the students unless each one shares the background knowledge that the lesson is being built upon. When all the students in a class share that relevant background knowledge, a classroom can begin to approach the effectiveness of a tutorial. Even when some children in a class don’t have elements of the knowledge they were supposed to acquire in previous grades, the existence of a specifically defined core makes it possible for the teacher to identify and fill the gaps, thus giving all students a chance to fulfill their potential in later grades. This is where the Core Knowledge Sequence of Social Studies and Science content plays an important role. It provides the necessary background knowledge, making mixed-age groups effective for teaching subject areas such as Social Studies and Science.
More on Mixed-Age Groups
As a method of teaching, one-on-one instruction is easily understood, but frequently multiple benefits of mixed-age groups are overlooked. By both necessity (we are a small school) and choice, we embrace mixed-age groups. Traditional elementary schools are one of the few places that students are placed in single/same-age classrooms. By high school, classes have become inner-mingled and adults certainly are not segregated by age. Age is a crude indicator of what learning experiences children are ready for. Regardless of age, in a mixed-age class, the students are all learning in the same vicinity, instead of being grouped by age or grade level. They receive education in a more rounded way, and they learn to be more tolerant of each other. Differences within a group of children can be a source of rich intellectual and social benefits. In addition, mixed-age grouping allows for a great deal of flexibility, allowing for teachers to capitalize on the differences in the experience, knowledge, and abilities of the children. Finally, there is no evidence to show that a group of children who are all within a twelve-month age range can be expected to learn the same things, in the same way, on the same day, at the same time. In a mixed-age group, it is acceptable for a child to be “ahead of” or “behind of” his or her same-age peers in social competence and/or multiple subject areas, which is reality for many students. (See also “Class Group” description.)
A strong foundation followed by mastery of basic academic skills and a strong background of knowledge equals a well-educated student! Add one-on-one help when needed in important subject areas, followed by positive, exciting group activities equals a well-rounded, well-educated student who actually enjoys learning!
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Evaluation
Finally, how do we measure success? Success can be measured in multiple ways (traditional or not). Our evaluation begins prior to enrollment. Before enrolling in Cedar Hill Preparatory Academy, we require that current Structure of Intellect Learning Abilities test results be on file. This test, which is administered one time a month by Braintrain Solutions, allows for rolling admissions. This evaluation is not to determine admission, but rather to allow us to assure an accurate and appropriate IEP. Every component of the test results are utilized in developing an appropriate plan – helping to determine the best materials, as well as the sequence of the materials, and appropriate classes – for each student. Needed accommodations are also developed utilizing these test results.
We feel strongly that success in foundational abilities is measured by 100% mastery. Grades for these foundational abilities are included in the subject areas which they affect directly. In all subject areas, different levels of mastery/success can also be measured by a variety of projects, essays, speeches, discussions, and/or traditional paper/pencil tests, as well as growth, attitude and effort. When appropriate, lesson tests and unit tests which serve as benchmarks are administered. Students do not move on until they demonstrate readiness to do so. This commonly occurs at a much faster pace upon completion of foundational materials. Finally, in high school, Course Mastery Tests are administered. What is standard across the board is that students are not moved on until they are ready.
As a direct result of this previous statement, if a student does not master something (traditionally known as failure), it is our responsibility to regroup and reteach immediately – before moving on. This may mean backing up; it may mean changing to different materials; it may mean utilizing different teaching techniques or strategies; it may mean putting a particular skill “on hold” temporarily; it may mean changing teachers. We work diligently to do whatever it takes for the student to master what is in front of them, so that they can successfully move on. Too many students have too many gaps!
In grades K-6, nine-week report cards indicate “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory” progress in each of the following subject areas: Language Arts (includes reading, spelling, grammar, spelling, handwriting, and the writing process); Math (includes arithmetic and mathematics); Physical Education (Integrated Practice Protocal Program which addresses gaps in sensory-motor integration and focusing skills); and Social Studies/Science.
In grades 7-8, nine-week report cards indicate letter grades in each of the following subject areas: Language Arts (includes reading, spelling, grammar, spelling, handwriting, and the writing process); Math (includes arithmetic and mathematics); Physical Education (Integrated Practice Protocal Program which addresses gaps in sensory-motor integration and focusing skills); and Social Studies/Science.
In grades 9-12, nine-week report cards indicate number grades in each subject area. When a course has been completed, the final grade and amount of credit awarded appears on the report card. Once credit has been awarded, it is transferred to the student’s transcript, and it disappears from the report card.
Grading Scale
A 90-100 (4.0)
B 80- 89 (3.0)
C 70- 79 (2.0)
No credit is awarded for a grade below 70.
A running grade point average (gpa) is kept on all high school students.
Braintrain Solutions offers Accommodations Testing (A Battery of Tests including measures of intelligence, achievement, and learning abilities) for students who need them to further their education upon high school graduation. This is a "for fee" service.
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Attendance
Cedar Hill Preparatory has a fairly traditional school calendar, beginning in early August and ending in the middle of May. We do not take off most Monday holidays. We do take off a week for Thanksgiving, a two week Christmas break, and a one week Spring Break. The school year is divided into four nine-week periods. (A current school year calendar can be found on the Cedar Hill Preparatory Academy website.)
Note: Test results which provide us with a road map for planning the most appropriate curriculum and sequence of curriculum for our students, and the instructional setting which allows us to back up and/or move forward as needed, also allows our students to attend school for fewer hours than a traditional school. During the instructional time there is no down time; time is not spent changing classes; students don’t have to line up for water and bathroom breaks; we don’t have recess, nor do we serve meals. Our students successfully complete their academic studies in their scheduled time.
Scheduled Times
K-8th grades attend Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
9th-12th grades attend Monday – Thursday from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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Bad Weather
For the purpose of bad weather, please check local news channels 4 and 8 for closing. Obviously, just because it is safe here doesn’t necessarily mean that it is safe where you are. Simply call us. We will understand.
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Dress
We simply ask that students dress appropriately. What is inappropriate for students to be wearing to school?
- Profanity on clothing
- Clothing that promotes drugs or alcohol
- Pictures that would scare small children
- Clothing that doesn’t cover the body
- Bizarre make-up
- Distracting piercings
Also, keep in mind that the building is “very” air-conditioned. If your child is cold-natured they will want to wear more clothes vs. less.
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Conduct
Respect – This encompasses everything. One should have respect for others feelings, work and possessions. This will be promoted and taught at every available opportunity.
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Tuition
When you enroll in Cedar Hill Preparatory Academy, you are obligating for one year and required to sign a contract. Since our methods require one teacher for one child in many areas, we obligate to our staff for one year; therefore, if the student does not complete the term of the contract – parents are committed to pay the full amount of the contract term remaining at the time the student withdraws. Transcripts/records will not be forwarded until the account is paid in full.
Tuition is annual. Discounts are already calculated in the monthly rate for any holidays/closings that are listed on our school calendar. Tuition is due on the first day of every month and MUST be guaranteed with a credit/debit card on file. If preferred, tuition may be paid by check/cash, but if not received in our office on the last scheduled school day proir to the 1st day of the month, the card on file will be charged for tuition and materials. A late free may be assessed.
Click Here for CHPA Tuition and Fees 2012-2013
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Transcripts
Cedar Hill Preparatory Academy students will be provided with two official transcripts when required course work is completed. Sealed transcripts may be given to the parents, however, many trade schools/colleges/universities require transcripts that are sent directly from our school. Additional official transcripts are $15.00 per transcript (unofficial are $10.00). Each transcript request (both official and unofficial) needs to be made via our Transcript Request Form. That form can be found here.
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IT IS NOT OFTEN THAT A SCHOOL EXISTS TO TRULY MEET THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS. WE ARE THAT SCHOOL! |
