Bradenton Preparatory Academy to Bring Unique Philosophy to Middle East
Schools which offer a bespoke learning curriculum provide the ideal environment for student development, according to Dr. Michael Gemma, the designate headmaster at the new Bradenton Preparatory Academy at Dubai Sports City.
Bradenton Preparatory Academy is a pioneer of an individual learning programme in the United States, and will now bring the principles to the Middle East for the first time. Bradenton Prep operates on the core principle that every child is unique, and has a different set of talents which can be nurtured through an individualized learning experience and increase their potential and future opportunities.
Dr. Gemma will take up his post in time for the opening of the academy in September, promising to deliver a specialized method of learning which encourages students to pursue non-curricula interests such as art and sport, while receiving an American College preparatory education.
Students will be able to continue their academic development while on extra-curricula trips including sports tours, performing arts commitments, and science or history excursions through new online portals and flexible schedules, and teachers will remain in daily email contact with parents.
“Young people face a situation where technological literacy and broad awareness of the world is a basic need for professional survival,” said Dr. Gemma. “Providing a modern individualized child curriculum which promotes fully-rounded students ultimately leads to developing a wide skill set that allows each of them to embrace the challenges of the modern world.”
Students at the Bradenton Preparatory Academy will balance formal classes, including Arabic lessons, with practical learning that include workshops in information technology, field trips, science projects, and history assignments.
Bradenton Preparatory Academy will have a maximum ratio of 1 teacher to 18 students in each class, ensuring project-based and student-centred learning experiences.
“By guaranteeing a low student-teacher ratio our innovative and encouraging teachers can act as educators and mentors. They offer the student an environment which allows them to become independent, driven, and prepared for life,” added Dr. Gemma.
The academy spans more than 130,000 square feet and includes a kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, high school, auditorium, gymnasium, fully equipped science laboratories, a performing arts centre, and two art rooms.
Initial registrations are now being taken for the new school year starting in September 2009 for boys and girls from kindergarten, through to grade 12. The academy will house up to 900 students, with more than 200 expected to register in the first year.
Bradenton Preparatory Academy students will also have a unique and sought after opportunity to benefit from the accredited coaching programmes and excellent sporting facilities offered at the Dubai Sports City Academies Campus – which is situated immediately adjacent to Bradenton Preparatory Academy – thus providing a fully-integrated learning environment.
Bradenton Preparatory Academy in Florida has a documented success rate of placing 99 percent of its students in university, whilst the other one percent typically embarks on a career in professional sport.
Photo Caption: Bradenton Preparatory Academy designate headmaster, Dr. Michael Gemma, says an individual learning curriculum provides the ideal environment for student development.
1) Dr. Michael Gemma, Headmaster, Bradenton Preparatory Academy
