The Prep School Academy bases its foundations and goals on the ideas of the Developmental Interaction Approach of education, which has strong ties to John Dewey’s educational philosophies. The Academy emphasizes a belief in an education that promotes a strong, academic curriculum in which students:
- Work at their own pace and on an individually designed program
- Experience a community-based focus, authentically exploring the larger world through the nuances of their wonderful Bloomington community
- Participate in a democracy within the classroom community, actively experiencing the beliefs that founded our country
The Prep School Academy believes that learning cannot be compartmentalized. Instead, learning at the Academy will be holistic and integrated among all subjects. Because of this, students at the Academy will use diversified learning materials, not textbooks, to advance individualized skills.
Most importantly, learning at The Academy will be authentic and experiential. The actions of the Bloomington community will be at the heart of our learning. We will visit local businesses and governmental agencies to gain the hands-on experiences that all learners need when making connections with and building meaning about the world in which they live.
Students of the Academy will experience Spanish, music, art, movement, karate, French, computers, and individualized instrument instruction. In addition, students will work at our school’s recycling center and experience our mini-economy, in which students visit the Academy bank and retail store.
At The Academy, we recognize and embrace that parents are an equal partner in their child’s education and we encourage parents to take an active role in their child’s education.
In the summer months, The Prep School Academy will offer educational and FUN summer programming, such as a month long "Learn to Read" program and our own "Bloomington IDOL" program.