Why single gender
Boys' Academy
The Challenge
Our sons are losing ground in education - they have lower grades, higher rates of special education placement, suspension and expulsion.
The problem is engagement.
The average boy thrives in a setting that focuses on active and tangible learning. Beyond math, instruction in traditional schools does just the opposite.
For urban boys this problem is now a crisis.
The Research
% Proficient in Reading, Georgia
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), reading proficiency rates are unacceptably low, especially for boys of color.
High School Graduation Rates (2011-2012)
Too many of our sons struggle to graduate from high school, which severely limits future chances of success.
Our Approach
Given their challenges, we cannot continue to pretend our sons need the same support as their sisters. Research suggests that when schools create gender-specific instructional and character-driven strategies for boys, they do better.
Genesis boys will do much better!
High Engagement
Most boys are engaged when they are doing rather than listening. Our boys will have active learning experiences both indoors and outdoors. They will run experiments, participate in simulations, and create and build tangible things. They will have action-oriented reading options. And they will never be finished – there will always be something for them to do
Respect Boy Energy
“Boy energy” is different. Instead of having our boys sit all day and punishing them when they get restless, we will let them stand, move or lie down to work. What matters is that they do great work! To get rid of some energy, they will have P.E. every day! And they won’t get “put out” for each “silly” comment or action; they will be taught to do better.
Rites of Passage
While “boys will be boys”, we expect them to grow up. We will challenge our boys to be responsible, respectful, and disciplined young men who know how to work hard and play hard. Assigned readings will focus on ethics and character. At each level of development, they will be held accountable for reaching goals and be celebrated when they do.
Role Models
The Boys Academy will have a significant number of male staff, along with outside professionals and college students, who serve as role models and mentors, and who expect academic and character excellence from our boys. Scholars will have daily check-ins with at least one adult male to provide support and perspective on any issues they may be working through.
Competitions & Academics
The typical boy is ultra-competitive. We will weave competitions and games into every aspect of instruction to motivate our young men. Athletics will be used as an instructional tool for subjects like math (sports statistics) and science (how to improve performance) to motivate academic excellence.