James Madison Preparatory School

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James Madison Preparatory School
Historia Est Magistra Vitae
Latin: 'History is the Teacher of Life'
Location
Tempe, AZ
USA
Information
Principal Stephen Batchelder
Students 150 (approx.)
Grades 7-12
Campus suburban
Athletics football, basketball, soccer, etc.
Mascot Patriots
Color(s) Red, White, and Blue
Homepage http://www.madisonprep.org/
James Madison's Class of 2007.
James Madison's Class of 2007.

James Madison Preparatory School is a charter school started in 2000 in Tempe, Arizona. The school was founded by Stephen and David Batchelder and serves grades 7-12.

Contents

[edit] History

The school was founded by the Batchelder brothers with the hope of providing a learning experience of a greater level than that found in typical Arizona public schools. They created the school with an emphasis on history, with the school motto being the Latin phrase "Historia Est Magistra Vitae." In English this translates to "History is the teacher of life." The mission of the school, as given in the school handbook was to "Challenge committed students with a robust traditional education emphasizing America's history and system of government. The school combines a classic course of study with real world knowledge and skills. Preparing to embrace their future as citizens and leaders, these young stewards of our national heritage will discover freedom's promise and the necessity of sound character." [1]

In the first year of operation it had total of 49 students by the last term. Though it started out extremely small, the school population has more than tripled since its inception. However, since it is a charter school, the founders elected for the school to never grow that large, with the maximum number of students being set around 180.

Madison Prep's Class of 2007 has 14 students, the largest number in school history.[2]

[edit] Junior High

In the second year of the school, a Junior High was started. The idea behind this was so that the students who were to attend the High School would be more prepared if they were already accustomed to the way the school worked in Junior High.

[edit] Academics

James Madison Preparatory School has been ranked as an excelling school in Arizona[3][4] James Madison has received a score of 9 out of 10 from the Great Schools website[5] Unlike some charter schools, James Madison does not screen the students it admits.[6] We feel that our code of conduct and high academic standards will "raise all boats" to the high level of expectations the teachers and staff have for all of our students.

[edit] School culture

The school distinguishes itself from other schools in Arizona in a number of ways. The three main ways are through the strict Dress Code, the Code of Conduct, and daily chores.

[edit] Dress code

James Madison enforces a strict dress code with the idea behind it being that "Schools with an enforced dress code tend to be places that are more serious about learning, with students more focused on their schoolwork. The tone at these schools is more businesslike than at schools where students wear whatever they want. This atmosphere promotes better discipline and attendance, which lead to higher achievement." [7] The dress code consists mainly of business attire such as nice slacks, shoes, and a polo or oxford shirt.

[edit] Daily chores

A unique part of the school is the Daily Chore that every student is required to accomplish at the end of each school day. Each chore typically takes between 5 and 10 minutes, and serves two purposes: maintaining the cleanliness of the school and "promoting teamwork, responsibility, and school pride." [8]

[edit] Extracurricular Activities

Though it is a relatively small school, James Madison has a great number of athletics, fine arts, and other extracurricular activities for the students to take part in.

[edit] Athletics

James Madison has many sports to offer. In the fall season, the sports are football, Girls Volleyball, Cheerleading - which also goes into the winter sports season, and Cross Country. In the winter season, the sports are Girls and Boys Basketball. In the spring season, the sports are soccer, Track and Field, Boys Baseball, and Girls Softball.

[edit] Fine Arts

The Fine Arts programs at the school consist of Choir, Strings, and Jazz Band. All three perform one concert each semester.

[edit] Other Activities

Also at the school is a Drumline. Drumline only takes place during the fall sports season.

[edit] Drama/Theater

James Madison has a rich history in the area of performing arts. The school has put on a school-wide musical for the last five years and added a dramatic play for the last three. The 2006-2007 musical was "Annie Get Your Gun," and the dramatic play was Pride and Prejudice.[9]

The eighth grade has performed a musical for the last five years as well.

[edit] References

  1. ^ James Madison Preparatory School, Tempe, Arizona
  2. ^ http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/page/graduationdetail?school=James+Madison+Preparatory+School
  3. ^ Schools K-12 – Excelling Arizona Schools Named for 2004-2005 School Year
  4. ^ Schools K-12 – Excelling Arizona Schools Named for 2004-2005 School Year
  5. ^ James Madison Preparatory School - Tempe, Arizona - AZ - school overview
  6. ^ http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/36229
  7. ^ James Madison Preparatory School, Tempe, Arizona
  8. ^ James Madison Preparatory School, Tempe, Arizona
  9. ^ Playscripts, Inc. - Productions for "Pride and Prejudice" by Jon Jory

[edit] External links