MODEL SCHOOL
What Students Experience
Facility
The Turning Point Academy (TPA) is in a large upscale modern home located near the northern edge of Sugar Land with close access to Hwy 59.
Students enter to the scent of seasonal aromatherapy and join other students around a contemporary table in a room with large floor to ceiling windows. The view is outstanding and includes a large swimming pool and giant oak trees. The students may spread out to the dining room, the large kitchen, or the living area. All three areas are located on the same floor with wide open spaces, large windows and scenic views. In the winter, it’s not unusual to have a fire crackling in the fireplace, and the students sipping on hot cocoa with marshmallows while learning. In the warmer weather, it is great to have lunch and discussions in the fresh air by the pool. Working on the veranda is a special privilege students may earn.
Gym
TPA is equipped with an indoor gym that has a treadmill and an elliptical trainer for cardio workouts. TPA’s gym also has free weights, and a weight machine. Weather permitting; students can shoot hoops in the driveway. Today’s research suggests students should have movement and exercise to assist retention in learning. TPA students also have access to the gym as a place to earn their PE credits. Other privileges students may earn are WII FIT, and WII SPORTS which are available during gym time.
Social Experiences at TPA
Socialization and Mastermind meeting
TPA participates in community service projects throughout the school year.
TPA has great field trips in and around Houston for students. These include trips to museums and art galleries.
TPA students learn to utilize the power within themselves as individuals and within the community to live their dreams and lead others to do the same.
Make an appointment to see what TPA, “The Upscale Home School” for the 21st century, grades 6-12 looks like.
Photos of Space:
A Day at TPA
What a School Day Looks Like
8 am and 9 am - Student arrival
- Students write daily goals and affirmations. Students schedule their day, week, or year according to their goals. Guided discussions take place on an array of research based success principles so students remain motivated and working toward goals.
- Students begin course work on the subject of their choice for the first two hours. Then they transition into their 2nd subject for 55min.
- Lunch Break. Students gather in the kitchen for lunch. As they eat, they read aloud or listen to books on CD. Two days each week students discuss the books they are reading and the other three days each week students practice their 16 min. speed reading drills after lunch.
- Students return to their 2nd subject for 1 hr.
- Students socialize, exercise, and write speeches or articles for our newsletter.
- Students start their 3rd subject for the day
- Students begin their 4th subject.
- Students save and submit their course work and plan for the next day. They share their plan or progress in a weekly mastermind meeting and with an educational professional.
4 pm - Student dismissal with no assigned homework if they have maximized their time throughout the school day.
Mastery of Public Speaking
Twice each month students join a formal public speaking group.
TPA students attend twice a month to learn the essential skills of articulating thoughts and ideas to others. They learn public speaking skills by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive environment.
"Students develop the skills they need to distinguish themselves
as adults in the professional competitive world."
- Debbie Elder
Daily Goal Setting & Accomplishment
This is a key component of TPA’s upscale education. Students together with their peers become a team experiencing key habits for success that will last them a lifetime – positive interactions, daily goal setting, and positive affirmations that support learning. Students develop the skills they need to distinguish themselves as adults in the professional competitive world. TPA students learn to utilize the power within themselves as individuals and within the community to live their dreams and lead others to do the same.
"Daily goal setting is a research-based strategy
proven effective in achieving academic success."
– Maryln Appelbaum
No Homework
There is no assigned homework. Students may need to “catch up” at home if they take a vacation or are ill for several days. They will have some home reading for literature. They are given adequate time and assistance to complete their daily work at school.
TPA's Vision for the Future
» The vision for the future location and concept of the Turning Point Academy.