John Fanelli has a pretty good idea how Wadsworth Elementary School works.
He's the principal now, but 30 years ago he walked these same halls as a student. There is no summer break for him or Martin Evans.
They're in the process of opening a STEM Academy, home for 44 sixth graders who will immerse in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics -- perhaps a little heavy on the engineering part.
They will be students who thrive in small teams in search of plenty of hands-on learning opportunities.
It will also allow for smaller classes but still give students and teachers the support a larger school can offer.
When asked if such an academy is the right way to go in an age of school testing, Evans said most certainly.
“If they're motivated to be here, they're motivated to learn," Evans said. "It only makes sense that those skills are going to stay with them stronger and longer and they're going to perform better on those tests.”
Both Wadsworth and Buddy Taylor Middle School share a building which sits between the two campuses. As such, some middle school kids will be able to share in the STEM Academy as well.
John Fanelli said kids are already lining up to volunteer for extra school time. “Their day ends at 1:30, our day ends at around 3:30 so for the additional two hours we are going to allow seventh or eighth graders to come back and work, almost as interns with our incoming sixth graders.”
Indian Trail Middle School, also in Flagler County, opens up a sports leadership academy next year as well.
So is this a trend which will spread to more campuses?
Evans said each school administration would need to find a niche...and it may not be the right thing for every student. “[but] I think these academies allow students to explore things earlier and more in depth.”
It also allows teachers more time in a subject and gives students the freedom to help lead where that instruction will go during the school day.