School decision

Our decision to move Trevor to the new Military Academy was a well thought out process and was planned a while in advance. It was not a whim or on the fly decision that we made. Since moving to North Carolina, Trevor has been in the public schools. Before living here, he was always in private Montessori and I knew that he was getting a well-balanced, advanced education and was being exposed to things and opportunities that would help him exceed in life. We have not been pleased with the education (or lack thereof) that he has been getting since moving to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. In particular, we weren't really happy with his school last year (Bradley Middle School) from the time that he began there. I am always looking for alternative education that is the right choice for my children, rather than just assume that they are going to get the education that they need and deserve from our local public school. With that said, I have been on a mission for the last year. Searching magnet schools, charter schools, and private school options that are available to us. In doing so, I came across the Military and Global Leadership Academy and began my research.


Of course, I have had some doubts along the way. Am I doing the right thing? Is this going to benefit Trevor? Is this the right school for him? How will he adjust to changing schools (again)? Do I expect too much from public schools? (NO!) What about the friends he already has? Is he really going to get a better education? What kind of person will he become? What kind of influence will the school have on him?

Trust me, I could go on and on and on about my doubts. But as a parent, we have to gather and analyze all of the information that we possibly can. In doing so, we find answers to some of our questions. And then, make a decision as to what we feel is best for our child.

After researching the school, I found that my mission and goals for Trevor go right along with the goals and mission of the school. I looked at graduation rates, success rates, and scholarship information for programs like these across the states. Overwhelmingly, the students who were in these programs were granted college scholarships, had a 98% graduation rate, and went on to become successful, productive members of our society. A big part of my decision came from the fact that this school teaches leadership and character development. Any school can offer honors classes and advance placement. And of course, I want Trevor to be part of that and I am proud of the fact that he is in honors classes. But it takes a special person to be a leader. I want Trevor to know what the qualities of a leader are and to recognize those qualities within himself. In addition to the rigorous coursework, he has mandatory community service projects that he must complete (30 hours minimum) in order to pass. We need to instill in our children that they must be compassionate and help others that are not as fortunate as we are.

The school itself is a brand new facility. The building is big, brand new, and very nice. It has state of the art technology with flat screen computers in every class. The library is massive with amazing books. The student population is small. It will never have more than 600 students (100 per grade level) so that means no overcrowding that comes standard in our neighborhood public schools. (Our local high school has over 3,000 students!) The school has a diverse student population which will benefit Trevor in his future endeavors. There is bus transportation available, but the school is in Charlotte and it starts at 7:15. With that said, (a HUGE drawback!) the bus stop at our house is 5:20 AM. Yes, 5:20 AM. That is just ridiculous. Todd works about 5 mins from the school. So, he has been taking Trevor to school in the mornings and then going to work. I have been picking him up at 2:15. With the school being new, it is in the process of starting the PTA. I have volunteered my hours, skills, and time and hope to help the school get off to a great start.

So, there you have a update on why we chose The Military and Global Leadership Academy. Is it the right choice? Only time will tell. Of course, we still have our doubts. But as a parent, you always do. I know in my heart and in my mind, that we made this decision to the best of our ability. I really feel that we have done the right the thing and I believe that Trevor will see the benefits of this program.