The new head of school wants to improve recruiting, keep the curriculum challenging and raise the public profile.
By JON WILSON
Published June 1, 2003
ST. PETERSBURG - It was Academy Prep's vision and mission that lured Brenda Thompson from a prestigious post at Florida A&M University.
A tenured professor and assistant dean of FAMU's college of education, Thompson became head of school at Academy Prep on May 1. She replaces Sam Williams, who retired as headmaster of the 6-year-old school last year.
"When you think about the kind of work that's being done here for this special population of students, it's creating wonderful opportunities for them, opportunities they wouldn't normally have. I'm just excited about being part of the leadership and part of the concept," Thompson said.
Officials at Academy Prep, which serves at-risk boys and girls in grades 5 through 8, conducted a national search for Williams' replacement. Thompson also led the the Offices of Student Teaching, Field/Clinical Experiences and the Center for Teacher Preparation at FAMU.
"She's passionate about this project and this program," said John Erik Savitsky, Academy Prep's vice president for development.
"It became very clear upon talking with the leading candidates that she showed herself fit for this job with her experience and background in education, and working with this population of students, and the ease with which she communicates with people," Savitsky said.
A native of Richmond, Va., Thompson has a bachelor's degree in biology from Virginia Union University, a master's degree in education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a doctorate in education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
She arrived at the shady, tree-lined campus at 2301 22nd Ave. S on May 14. It has been a quick transition; the school's summer term starts June 9.
Among Thompson's priorities are recruiting students to increase enrollment. She also wants to raise the school's public profile and keep the curriculum challenging to make sure Academy graduates are competitive as they move through the school system and on to college.
Currently, 72 youngsters are enrolled. The goal for the fall term is to have between 100 and 128, Thompson said, which would put enrollment close to maximum.
Eight regular faculty members and a corps of volunteers guide the students. Thompson wants to strengthen the ranks of both.
"We want more volunteers, more community support. We want to increase the level of awareness," she said. "I want that (Academy Prep) name to be out there. I want the community to know what we're doing and I want the community to think about ways they can be a part of this school."
Academy Prep students attend on scholarships community donors provide.
Because of her previous jobs, Thompson is well acquainted with the concept of giving an extra boost to students who are not achieving to their potential.
She led a partnership between public schools and Virginia Union in which youngsters falling into education cracks were identified, given special attention and monitored through high school and into college.
It resulted in a 97 percent college-bound rate for graduates of that program, Thompson said.
She also will draw on her experience in training teachers at FAMU.
"By doing that, I had an opportunity to visit literally hundreds of classrooms. I've sat in sessions with students, with principals of schools. I know what's going on out there. I see students successful in public settings but I see so many not successful," she said.
"We need to be sure these students have had the kind of preparation at Academy Prep that will put them on a level playing field ... and be able to compete."
