Mission Statement

Representing a significant shift from the traditional large high school philosophy and operation, Kentwood Preparatory High School-Broward is a small school with a maximum of 60 students.  Self-governing and characterized by high expectations for all students Kentwood emphasizes equity in student outcomes, shared decision-making among faculty, individualized instruction and attention, and a strong focus on the "new five R's" - Rigor, Relevance, Relationships, Resiliency and Responsibility."

Our mission is to create a new, more efficient and effective learning environment for youth who have average to above average intellectual abilities and experience academic challenges due to a combination of learning difficulties,  social skills deficits, and developmental disabilities.

THE SIX ACADEMIC SUBJECT AREAS

These are studied concurrently. Students are required to study both the humanities and the sciences.

Students are thus able to explore some subjects in depth and others more broadly, a deliberate compromise between the early specialization of some national systems and the breadth found in others. The science-oriented student is challenged to learn a foreign language and the natural linguist becomes familiar with laboratory procedures.

Active citizenship and global perspectives are encouraged in each area of the curriculum.

The subjects are continually reviewed and revised to meet contemporary needs. The list below serves as a current guide only.

Group 1 - language A1
Students ideally develop strong written and oral skills, respect for the literary heritage of their first language, and an international perspective.

Group 2 – second language
All students are examined in a second language. Several options accommodate bilingual students with a very high level of fluency, genuine second language learners with previous experience of learning the language, and beginners. The principal aim for the subjects in group 2 is to enable students to use the language in a range of contexts and for many purposes; the courses focus on written and spoken communication.

Group 3 - individuals and societies
Subjects included in this group are:  economics, geography, history, information technology in a global society, education technology, philosophical ethics, and social and cultural anthropology through literature and social sciences.

Group 4 – experimental sciences
The subjects available in group 4 are: biology, chemistry, physics, environmental systems, communication technology. Practical laboratory skills are developed and collaborative learning is encouraged through an interdisciplinary group project. Students develop an awareness of moral and ethical issues and a sense of social responsibility is fostered by examining local and global issues.

Group 5 – mathematics and computer science
All students are required to complete at least a three level mathematics program, and four options are available to cater for different abilities and levels of student interest. These are general mathematics, algebra I and II, geometry, and calculus. Further mathematical methods, mathematical studies and mathematical reasoning are included in each course.

Each course aims to deepen a student’s understanding of mathematics as a discipline and to promote confidence and facility in the use of mathematical language. Computer science is an elective subject in group 5; it is not compulsory, because the use of computer technology is part of each group of studies in the program.

Group 6 – the arts
This group includes visual arts, music and theatre arts, with emphasis placed on practical production by the student and exploration of a range of creative work in a global context.

Assessing student work and awarding the diploma

Classroom teachers and independent examiners work in partnership to ensure that students have ample opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned. Grades reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards, which are applied equally to all diploma tracks. Top grades are not, for example, awarded to a certain percentage of students, but only to the top percentage in the group.  The students learn the value of competition which prepares them well to enter the world of work.  They must not only make the grade to graduate, but must also compete with their peers to reach the top grades.  Only those students who produce the top projects may reach the top grades, regardless of their scores on tests.  Grades are awarded on the basis of test results and productivity.  All students must demonstrate their ability to use what they know.

Responsibility for all academic judgments about the quality of candidates’ work rests with the Curriculum Director, teachers and external examiners.  To maintain objectivity in the assessment process, the Director and Principal do not participate in testing or evaluating student projects.  The only administrator who participates in the assessment process is the Curriculum Director, ex oficio.