New Beginnings Inc. Family Academy

New Beginnings Family Academy has undergone a plethora of change over the past year. Our academic performance was what I have understood to be comparable to our surrounding schools. This measuring stick was not acceptable, as our surrounding schools perform at levels unworthy of praise. If our school continued on its beaten path, closure would have been inevitable.In 2004-2005, our school board made drastic changes which involved staffing, leadership, and the curriculum. Initially, the board, parents, staff, and leaders were torn over their difficult but necessary measures. Change is never easy and these changes divided our school community and affected the morale of students, parents, leaders, and staff alike. Parental involvement declined. The turn over in staff and leadership affected many on a personal level. It was often difficult to see that the changes were about the education of our children and not our personal feelings and relationships with our educators.Many, including myself, criticized the manner in which these decisions were executed. We lacked understanding regarding the confidential matters leading up to their “shake up” of our school. In retrospect, they were difficult and necessary changes. I commend our board for what in retrospect was an unenviable act of courage and responsibility to our children.Our new principal, Wilson Willard III, comes to us from the prestigious W.E.B Dubois Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio. His reputation for academic excellence precedes him. He had taken a comparable school in his former district and turned it into the academic powerhouse that all children deserve. Willard has the challenging and baffling task of restructuring our school’s academic performance and renewing our school spirit and morale. In a matter of months, he has set the standard for what we foresee as a successful academic plan. His untraditional methods and willingness to think outside of the box are clearly evident and encouraging. He grounds his decisions and plans in research, fact and appears to make things practical. He is holding all parties accountable for their role in educating our children. Willard holds our children and educators equally responsible for academic excellence.Parental involvement is increasing and trust in our educators is also on the rise. I believe that New Beginnings Family Academy has reached a crossroads and is on the right path. Soon, a seat in our school will be coveted and sought after by many.The opportunity for involvement in music, art, sports, and other extracurricular activities are limited. Those activities that are available are being granted upon each student’s ability to prove that he or she can read, write, and perform mathematics at or above grade level.There was a point in which I was uncertain that I would make a recommendation to this school. Currently, I am confident to recommend New Beginnings Family Academy to all.