The Knight Academy, a co-ed charter middle school for sixth through eighth grades, moved into its new facilities in a former commercial building on Arco Drive in Toledo.

Classes began in the new school Jan. 19 and the academy hosted an open house Jan. 28 for prospective students and the public.

“The new facilities are working out great for our students, teachers and staff,” said Tom Baker, executive director of the Knight Academy.

Baker said that 100 students attend the charter middle school that plans to add a fifth-grade class next year. Students come to the academy from traditional public and parochial schools in the Toledo area, including Lucas, Wood and Fulton counties, he said.

The staff includes Paul Rackowski, dean of students and curriculum, 11 teachers, a full-time counselor, secretary, custodian and part-time nurse.

“We consider it a public school with a private school atmosphere,” said Baker, who has 42 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, high school principal and superintendent.

Tom Baker, executive director of the Knight Academy, talks to student John Keiser in a language arts class.

Knight Academy is a public charter school that receives funds from the state and federal government and does not charge tuition. It operates with a longer class day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and longer school year, starting in mid-August and ending in mid-June.

“We emphasize our academics, good discipline and parent involvement,” Baker said. “All of our teachers are properly licensed with the state and our parents are very involved in the parents’ organization.”

Boys are required to wear shirts and ties and the girls wear uniforms. They begin each day with announcements and pledge allegiance to the flag in the cafeteria, Baker said.

The boys and girls are seperated in classes for each gender. All students are required to take Spanish as a foreign language and have physical education every day along with the standard curriculum.

Advanced classes are offered in science, language and technology. Baker said that high-functioning students are not held back and are advanced to higher classes when qualified.

The academy also has a teacher and class for special needs students who are together for one period each day and integrated into classes with the other students, he said.

The academy offers art, vocal and instrumental music classes. The school’s band has played at several events and locations in the community, Baker said.

After-school activities include art, chess, martial arts and athletics, including basketball, baseball, cross country and track. The seventh and eighth grade basketball team is 6-0 in play against other middle schools in the Toledo area, he reported.

“It is our mission to provide a superior educational experience focusing on academic preparation, character and physical development,” Baker said.

Most graduates go on to attend private high schools. Last year, eight boys graduated with seven going to private and one to public high school. He said they expect 28 students to graduate in June and 23 have already applied to private high schools in the area.

The Knight Academy is located in a two-story building with nine classrooms and offices on the first floor. The cafeteria and music room are on the second floor.

“The building was completely gutted and new spaces constructed to meet our needs,” Baker said. “The classrooms are larger to accommodate our growing enrollment and each has the latest technology, including Smartboards and projectors.”

The Knight Academy recently received a $200,000 federal grant from the State Department of Education based on the school’s high academic testing results. Baker said the money will be used to purchase new tables for the computer lab and other upgraded equipment this year.

The gymnasium is located in a separate building located behind the school that was a former warehouse. It contains a basketball court, batting and throwing cages, restrooms and shower facilities. Physical education classes, athletic competitions and practices are held there.

The Knight Academy also offers self-defense and martial arts programs to help children build character, confidence, discipline, self-control and self-esteem through rigorous training.

“The benefits of the martial arts training are numerous. Children learn to concentrate and focus their energy constructively, which results in better grades at school and improved behavior at home,” Baker said.

Tags: Knight Academy

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 6:11 pm and is filed under Community, Education.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.