August is national back to school month! This month the highlight is the wonderful school at Eckerd Connects E-Nini-Hassee. The on-campus school provides a positive learning environment for girls who may struggle in other academic settings. Nationally accredited through AdvancED/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the school is staffed with state-certified teachers. On a typical day you might find Miss Holly, Chief Rachel, or Chief Gale teaching the girls math on the side of ant hill or bringing back a guest lecture on animation to the x and y axis and functions.
For girls in grades 6–12, the curriculum is aligned with all state and national Department of Education guidelines. Course credits are fully transferable, and students can receive their high school diploma upon successful completion of coursework. The students gain the skills and knowledge found in a college ready diploma course of study, including English, math, history, science, social studies, health, physical education and the arts.
The year round learning environment is divided by modules for each quarter. The modules have creative titles like G.O.A.T (greatest of all time), Warrior, Prepare to Launch, or Sink or Swim. The girls can tie their activities to building confidence and striving to do more than they ever thought they could. The teachers work hard to make sure that each girl is setting and achieving goals during the learning process. Chief Katelyn describes her encouragement to girls, “sometimes you might say…try this… it might work…it might not, but you don’t know until you try.” It is that passion to encourage that drives the teachers at E-Nini-Hasee. She continues, “and then seeing them try and be successful, that is one of the best feelings ever.”
Small 10:1 student/teacher ratios encourage students to progress at their own pace. Integrated into the curriculum are other experiential activities for academic growth, improved self-concept, spiritual awareness and an understanding of the need for service to the community.
For 50 years, Eckerd Connects E-Nini-Hassee has specialized in helping girls 12- 18 reach their full potential and prepare them for future success. A fully licensed substance abuse treatment program and an accredited residential school, it is an alternative to traditional boarding schools and education programs for troubled and at-risk girls. In a safe and holistic environment emphasizing mind, body and spirit, the approach combines:
· individualized, assessment-driven academics · individual, group and family counseling · high-interest outdoor adventure activities
Eckerd Connects E-Nini-Hassee help girls achieve more than they thought possible academically, while helping them reconnect with themselves and their families. The students gain self-esteem, leadership and problem solving skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
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