Academy Prep.

As legislators and educators search for new ways to improve our education system, there is a school in St. Petersburg that is taking an aggressive approach of its own. It's a private school, where economically-disadvantaged children receive
a free education.

In Assignment:Education.. Bill Ratliff tells us the school is the brainchild of some wealthy people, who wanted their money to have a meaningful, lifelong impact on young lives.

--[Teacher says:] "He used.. Maybe he ate some of the bear meat too for dinner."--

Teacher Tia Murphy is showing her fifth graders how to develop a tall tale, as part of a creative writing excercise. It's not hard for her. She only has 12 in her class. She calls it a teacher's dream.

--[Tia Murphy says:] "I'm able to work with the kids on a more individual basis."--

This is Academy Prep.. a private, tuition-free school for less than two-dozen fifth and sixth grade boys. John Effinger is the school's headmaster.

--[John Effinger says:] "Before they came here they had perhaps a rocky existence in school, but because we have been able to spend a great deal of time with them.. Give them high expectations.. And give them the tools to meet those expectations, they have become immensely better in the relatively short time we have had them."--

Here's how it's done. Academy Prep is a year-round-six-day-a-week single-sex school. For now, boys only. The school day lasts from 7:45am to five pm. There are mandatory study halls from seven to nine pm, for those with less than a "B" In any subject. Even Latin is taught here.

The school's co-founder says Academy Prep is modeled on a program created by Jesuit priests in New York City. It's about total immersion, safe haven and a basic belief solutions to community problems start with education.

--[Jeff Fortune says:] "What we knew was that a portion of the kids in our community are failing before they have the opportunity to realize their full potential"--

To make sure many more youngsters realize their full potential.. The building continues at Academy Prep. By the year 2003.. 60 Boys and 60 girls.. Fifth through eighth grades.. will be served in separate buildings. All tuition-free.

Students are selected for admission at Academy Prep based on several things. First, they must qualify for the federal lunch or partial lunch program. They must currently be fourth or fifth graders in mainstream classes. And they must show a willingness and capability to meet the high expectations placed on them by the school..

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