AVONDALE — Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA) is proud to announce that the school was recently chosen as a recipient of a $50,000 education grant from the Challenge Foundation Group.
The school plans on completing three separate projects as a result of the grant. The first project will center around the school’s academic team programs.
With the grant, the school will enhance the support of our Science Olympiad Division B (6-9) and Division C (9-12) teams, high school Academic Teams, and our Junior Classical League team programs. These programs are a source of strong pride for TJCA. They exemplify our school’s balanced focus on both academics and athletics as well as our mission to graduate students who are “thoughtful, articulate young adults who are prepared for college and a lifetime of citizenship and active intellectual inquiry.”
Over the last few years, these programs have seen great success which has included sending multiple teams to nationals, earning two state championships, and a national championship. The funds from this grant will support the continued success of the programs. Most recently, TJCA was named the Small School National Champion at the National History Bowl and Bee, held in Washington, D.C. High School Academic Team coach and Director of Student Advising and Enrichment Kimberly Lloyd says the programs are beneficial to the students.
“In addition to being a catalyst for academic and intellectual growth, scholastic competitions are a great way to build community,” said Lloyd. “The students who participate in our academic competitions are interested in such a wide array of disciplines, from literature and art to classics and calculus.”
The second project is a summer STEM camp. For many years, TJCA has offered a free summer STEM camp with the support of the Stonecutter Foundation. Due largely to the pandemic, the last time the school was able to offer the camp was in the summer of 2019. This grant will allow TJCA to once again provide this wonderful opportunity for approximately 20 students who are finishing 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. While at the camp, students will be introduced to topics such as rockets, numismatics, 3D print design, green energy, chemistry experiments, hydraulics, solar ovens, and forensics through hands-on experiences and field trips with TJCA faculty. More information on this summer’s STEM camp will be announced soon.
The third project is a faculty merit bonus program. The implementation of the program will allow TJCA to show our appreciation and gratitude for the exceptional work the faculty and staff do day in and day out. By being goal-oriented, this innovative approach is aimed at tackling concerns of a traditional merit bonus pay program.
More information on that inaugural program will be announced at a later date.