Our classroom mentors gave us insight into what it’s like to be a teacher at SLA, as well as some interesting facts about the school:
* There are less than 30 teachers and administrators at the school, so everyone knows everyone. Teachers share in the administrative work and everyone is a stakeholder in the school.
* There are all-staff meetings (also known as professional trainings) every Wednesday afternoon for two hours during the school year. During this time, in lieu of classes, Freshmen visit the Franklin Institute, Sophomores and Juniors complete internships, and Seniors work on their capstone projects.
* There are less than 30 teachers and administrators at the school, so everyone knows everyone. Teachers share in the administrative work and everyone is a stakeholder in the school.
* There are all-staff meetings (also known as professional trainings) every Wednesday afternoon for two hours during the school year. During this time, in lieu of classes, Freshmen visit the Franklin Institute, Sophomores and Juniors complete internships, and Seniors work on their capstone projects.
* Last year, SLA avoided laying off teachers and staff largely thanks to successful private fundraising efforts (to the tune of around $200,000).
* SLA's graduation rate is close to 100%, and the school makes an effort to work with those students that don’t graduate on time during the following summer and fall to help them make up the missing credits.
* Teachers give students a great deal of autonomy within the school, and generally don’t resort to disciplinary methods unless issues arise that they are required to report. Detentions are rare, suspensions virtually unheard of.
* Seniors spend part of the school year working as student assistant teachers. As assistants, they help with administrative tasks, leading small groups, and more.
* SLA's graduation rate is close to 100%, and the school makes an effort to work with those students that don’t graduate on time during the following summer and fall to help them make up the missing credits.
* Teachers give students a great deal of autonomy within the school, and generally don’t resort to disciplinary methods unless issues arise that they are required to report. Detentions are rare, suspensions virtually unheard of.
* Seniors spend part of the school year working as student assistant teachers. As assistants, they help with administrative tasks, leading small groups, and more.