The California Academy Foundation is a California 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based in Santa Barbara,California. We support the development and funding of innovative California Partnership Academies, and our current initiative is to support the Multimedia Arts & Design Academy at Santa Barbara High School (link to “Initiatives” section of Foundation website).
The Partnership Academy Model is a three-year program, grades 10-12, structured as a school-within-a-school. The model, originating with the Philadelphia Academies in the late 1960s, spread to California in the early 1980s. Academies incorporate many features of the high school reform movement that includes creating a close family-like atmosphere, integrating academic and career technical education, and establishing viable business partnerships. Emphasis is also placed on student achievement and positive postsecondary outcomes. Academies have been carefully evaluated and shown to have positive impacts on school performance. Key components of the Academy model are:
- Curriculum focused on a career theme and coordinated with related academic classes;
- A voluntary student selection process that identifies interested ninth graders;
- A team of teachers who work together to plan and implement the program;
- A variety of motivational activities with private sector involvement to encourage academic and occupational preparation, such as a mentor and internship program, enhanced curriculum, classroom speakers, field trips, and postsecondary options.
For further information about California Partnership Academies, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs/cpaoverview.asp.
We are a group of concerned parents, business leaders and educators who are dedicated to helping create brighter futures for our students. Our team is comprised of the following members:
Tom Schleck, President
Michael Jaffe, Vice President
Annie Clare, Treasurer
Mary Blair, Secretary
Kathleen Baushke
Wendy Hendrix
Michele Humboldt
Adrienne Schuele
Marie Sexton
Clark Stirling
Dina Wilson
Michael Jaffe
Pam Lopker
Mary Jane Headlee
Annie Clare
Dan Williams, Multimedia Arts & Design Academy
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What We Believe In