MISSION

 As a child-centered school, Academy Charter High School is dedicated to providing a challenging, nurturing environment in which each child's social and academic potential is maximized. The students who graduate from ACHS will have the self-esteem, self-discipline, intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills to maintain their status as lifelong learners. 



POPULATION

ACHS is a free public high school for the residents of  Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Deal, Interlaken, and South Belmar. Students must meet the minimum requirements for promotion to the next grade and must agree to work towards the mission of ACHS.

 

DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE

Academy Charter High School allocates seats in each grade level based upon the resident student population of each of the following towns: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Deal, Interlaken and South Belmar. A lottery is held each year to select students for the incoming freshman class. No other criteria are used. If seats remain available, students from other towns may enroll. Thus, ACHS reflects a diverse community.

 

 

THE COMER PROCESS

ACHS is one of more than 600 schools around the country to be part of Dr. James P. Comer's SchoolDevelopment Program of Yale University.  Founded on the principles of child development and social relationship theory, this process, collaberation between home and school, fosters positive school climate and creates optimal conditions for teaching and learning.

 

 

SCHEDULING

The school day begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 2:50 p.m.  The majority of the day is block scheduled, resulting in 90 minute classes.  This facilitates the infusion of technology, the use of creative teaching methods, and various forms of assessment based on real-life standards.

 

 

STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO

A 10:1 student to teacher ratio provides individualized attention, which enables students of varying abilities to maximize their achievements.

 

 

TECHNOLOGY

ACHS  strives to maintains a 2:1 student to computer ratio.  All computers are networked, with an dedicated line providing access to the internet.

 

 

CLUBS

All students participate in at least one club.  Current club offerings include: Literary Magazine, School Newspaper, Yearbook, Photography,Culinary, Computers, Mock Trial, Fitness, and Chess.

 

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Our school year is 192 days in length.  Students meet for a half-day session one Saturday per month for cultural enrichment and supplemental activities.

 

 

CURRICULUM

The curriculum of ACHS exceeds N.J. Core Curriculum Content Standards and reflects the interdependency of subject content:
Grade 9: 
World Literature 1, World Civilization 1, Introduction to Technology, Algebra 1, General Science, Communications, Spanish  and Fitness/Health

Grade 10: World Literature 2, World Civilization 2, Algebra 2, Geometry, Biology, Advanced Communications, Spanish 2, and  Fitness/Health

Grade 11: American Literature, U.S. History 1, Family Living, Math Analysis (Pre-Calculus), Chemistry, Behavioral Studies(Sociology), Spanish 3 and Fitness/Health
Grade 12: Modern Humanities, U.S. History 2, Physics, Senior Project, Advanced Studies 1 & 2, Fitness/Health
     
Students may attempt honors credit in any academic subject.  Advanced Studies may include AP courses, independent study or work study programs.  All students participate in a grade specific course entitled Interdisciplinary Unit. This course requires students to apply their knowledge to real-life situations and reinforces the interdependency of their coursework.

 

 

MENTORING

All students meet weekly with their faculty mentor. During the regularly scheduled 40-minute period, the mentor leads the small group through self-esteem building activities. On an individual basis, the mentor monitors the student’s academic, social and emotional growth.

 

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

Students at ACHS will be encouraged to becom active members of the community at large.  The senior project, a graduation requirement, includes community service. 

 

PEER MEDIATION

The Academy Charter High School community believes that mediation is a great method of conflict resolution. All staff members are trained as facilitators and dozens of students are trained as mediators. A mediation session can be called at the request of a students or staff member.

 

 

 

GOVERNANCE

The Board of Trustees includes parents, community, and business leaders.  The Director/Lead teacher and one staff member serve as non-voting, ex-officio members of the board.

 

 

INTERDISCIPLINARY UNIT

Each week students participate to apply their knowledge to real-life situations and reinforce the interdependency of the courses.
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