The Academy at Dos Pueblos High School (The Academy) was established in 2008 to provide students who have been unsuccessful in the school system the personalized attention and support they need to be successful in both school and life.  The Academy connects students to school and community through strong personal relationships, an innovative academic program, internship opportunities, and partnerships with organizations throughout Santa Barbara with the ultimate goal to graduate productive and responsible citizens with a comprehensive life plan....

  The Academy program is a three-year plan.  We identify students eligible for the program in the 9th grade and the students start the three-year Academy program at the beginning of their 10th grade year: Year One: Teaching Success: Making them students Year Two: Connecting Lives: Community partnerships and integration Year Three: Post-Graduation Plans: College and career planning   ACADEMIC PROGRAM Academy students have a carefully planned schedule and receive individualized attention from academy teachers and administrators. In the morning, students travel as a group to each of their four core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) taught by academy teachers. In the afternoon, students are enrolled in a Guided Studies course where they are paired with student mentors. The students receive tutoring, get help with their organization, and check grades weekly with their mentors. Students also participate in an elective of choice with the general population of the school. Academy students stay with their group of peers and their Academy teachers for the remainder of their years in high school.   COUNSELING Weekly our students meet in smaller groups for group counseling. Students are also given the option for one on one counseling with a licensed therapist. The opportunity to share personal issues helps the students become healthier and more capable to deal with school.   INTERNSHIPS Each semester our students are given the opportunity to apply for local internships through Partners in Education, a non-profit that places students in community businesses in order to explore career...

  RESULTS TO DATE The Academy has proven to be a successful model. So far 100% of our students have graduated and 88% of graduates are enrolled in Santa Barbara City College.  The students’ grade point averages rose from a 1.41 to a 2.89, going from F’s to C’s and B’s, in more rigorous, college-prep classes.  Students’ scores on the California Standards Tests improved in all subject matters.  Discipline referrals have been reduced by over 95% compared to their pre-Academy levels.  All of the students attended school regularly.  We have had success with students returning to school after pregnancy and graduating. We have also had students return to our program from continuation high school and graduate.  More than half of our students are placed in successful internships or have an after-school job.  One of our students was named “Student of the Year” by Goleta’s Finest for her ability to overcome personal obstacles and reach a 4.0 GPA.   Data Comparison The Academy students were compared to a Control Group of over 40 students who declined the invitation to join The Academy Cumulative GPA in The Academy is higher than the Control Group The Academy average CAHSEE scores in Math and English were higher than the Control Group The Academy students’ schedules are more rigorous than the Control Group     RECONNECTED The most notable changes, however, are those that are observed, not measured.  Our students are more confident, take pride in their work, and look forward to a successful life outside of high school.   We had students in the ASB Leadership class, on varsity sports and cheer, and participating in clubs, all showing their re-engagement into school and their...

  Throughout the school year, our students participate in a variety of activities.  Some activities are for school such as field trips, classroom projects, and school-wide functions.  With the support of our sponsors, we have visited the Museum of Tolerance, the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Ty Warner Sea Center, and the Museum of Natural History.  For the classroom, the students have built water bottle rockets and cardboard/duct tape floatable boats.  Students have participated in school-wide functions including cooking posole for Back to School Night, learning to make sushi rolls for International Day, and creating merchandise to sell at the Econ Fair.  Other activities are services to our community.  The students volunteer annually to help set up, run and clean up the Brandon Elementary School Carnival and the Casino Night and Auction.  They also have participated in a beach cleanup. In addition, the students participate in unique programs that help build self-esteem and begin the process of making plans for the future.  Each group of students participates in John Daly’s Key Class, which focuses on etiquette and manners.  Beginning their junior year, students can apply for internships through Partners in Education and all of them receive resume and job training.  Probably one of the students’ favorite activities, though, is the High Ropes Course at UCSB.  All of our activities are carefully planned to build relationships and skills for the...

  Often in our school system, the most at-risk students are rejected or neglected. The Academy embraces this group and gives them the love and support they need to be successful. The most important ingredient in our Academy’s success is the personal, individualized attention that we offer each one of our students.     Donation Instructions: 1. Click the botton above to navigate to the PayPal Page 2. Fill in information, or log into account 3. In “Comments” section, please write “The Academy...