CSS AcademyChalese Perry, Susan Harlow, Sara Willard

School Colors• Our chosen school colors are purple and silver. • Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of

red. Purple symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. Purple is associated with wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic.• Silver is considered to be a feminine, lunar, peaceful,

earthy, sophisticated and harmonious shade. The color silver has an element of mystery, and it is believed to purify people who wear it by draining negative energy. The meaning of the color silver can also denote honor. People who wear silver are believed to be modern and elegant.

Rationale• We want students to be empowered on a global level to

be resilient in an ever evolving world by becoming culturally aware. • The IB program fosters the skills needed for students to

be successful not only in post-secondary school but also in their future careers and life plans towards their interests and passions through independent thinking and self learning. • Students should be well-rounded in not only academics

but also life skills and interactions with diverse peers.

DescriptorsName of Program: CSS AcademyChallenging Opportunities • Striving for Excellence • Superior PreparationGrade Level: grades 9-12, High SchoolStudent Enrollment: 350 per grade level• This number of students will allow enough total students

to support a wide variety of music, sports, arts programs, in addition to other extracurricular clubs. 

Descriptors continuedCommunity/School Population: • Diverse, international community with several

international corporations and diplomatic Consulate General countries represented in our city• CSS Academy intends to serve the educational needs

of students seeking to be active participants in the global economy. • Students AND parents agree to learn a second language and use it at home as well in school.

Funding Plan/Sources• CSS Academy will be an accredited International

Baccalaureate charter school and will accept federal funds and state funds, in addition to developing sponsorships with major international corporations to establish internship programs and funding streams. • In lieu of fundraisers throughout the school year, families

will be asked to commit to $1500 annually to support programs. • Business donors can contribute at varying levels to include

the naming of classrooms, labs, fitness facilities, etc.• Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program

Physical Space Design• All classrooms will have windows to the outside. • All rooms will have space for conference room setup

– round tables with plugs for technology that also facilitate conversation and small group work. • Core subjects will be set up as pods with a common

area full of lounge sofas and comfortable chairs inspiring introspection, group work and intellectual conversation.

Physical Space Design Continued

• There will be several outdoor areas for common space to be used as a gathering spot and outdoor classrooms. There will be a nature trail with Swedish Workout Stations along the trail and places to sit and reflect. • This facility will benefit the community as well.

Outdoor Classroom

ScienceELA

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Gym

Cafeteria/Media Center

MathFine Arts\

Auditorium

Social Studies

Tennis Courts

Stadium and Track

Swim

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Swedish Workout Stations

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Physical Space Design Continued

• Facilities will include a:• Media Center with rooms for group work, areas for quiet

work with study carousels, and access to all types of media, including an interactive computer lab, A/V equipment and movable furniture to allow for flexible grouping.• Fitness facilities to include cardio workout room

(ellipticals, treadmills, and bikes), yoga room, weight lifting rooms for teams and general student population, and gym. Outdoor fields, stadium and track for team sports and community wellness.

Physical Space Design Continued

• Music Facilities for band, orchestra and chorus.• Art facilities for art classes, drama/theater productions,

studio for inter-school TV productions, and a theater (drama and music use).• Science labs – biology, physics, earth science, chemistry • Cafeteria – will serve fresh food, less than 20% processed.

Will include a salad bar and fresh baked good. No sodas, candy bars, or chips will be sold in cafeteria or vending machines. Snack items will include fresh fruit, yogurt, nuts, real cheese, cut vegetables and dips such as hummus, salsa and guacamole. Drinks will be water, milk, and juices.

Mission Statement for Program (Philosophy/Beliefs)

• CSS Academy’s mission is to empower students to be lifelong learners, to explore any and all interests, to be stewards in their communities contributing to the common good in their endeavors, and to make connections with members of their work and life communities.• Knowledge is POWER. The pursuit of knowledge is the

journey to be enjoyed and celebrated.

Why IB?Diploma Programme (DP)The DP curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. Made up of the three required components, the DP core  aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.The three core elements are:•Theory of knowledge, in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.•The extended essay, which is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.•Creativity, activity, service, in which students complete a project related to those three concepts

Student Selection Criteria and Continuation Policy

• Students must submit an application, essay, and two references. • One reference must be a teacher that can address the applicants learning

style, dedication, academic effort, strengths and weaknesses. • The other reference can be from an adult, not related to the student, who can

provide insight into the student’s work ethic and character.• Application must include report card with a minimum GPA of 3.0

and a portfolio. Portfolio must include at least one sample of their best work in each core subject along with a personal reflection of one paragraph in length for why they chose that work sample. • The essay should be one page in length, double-spaced, but no more

than two pages. The student should describe why completing their secondary education at CSS Academy will help them develop into their best future self.

Teacher Selection, Professional Development and Community

Involvement• All teachers will be • PSC certified and IB trained (Additional training in AP,

AVID, and Gifted certification is preferred.) • Required to participated in annual professional development

for IB and subject areas • Participate in developing relationships and collaborating with

business partners that support their core subjects• Sponsor or coach a club or team to engage with students

and support the interests of the students.

Resources• Rationale

• http://ibo.org/benefits/benefits-for-students/• Descriptors• Funding Plan/Sources

• http://www.chooseatl.com/opportunities/fortune-500s this is a list of all the companies located in Atlanta and I put it here for our reference/knowledge

• https://scsc.georgia.gov/state-charter-funding nuts and bolts on charter school funding • https://scsc.georgia.gov/grant-opportunities-and-resources-state-charters additional grant funding

resources• https://www.goalscholarship.org/for_donors/page/tax-credit-details• https://www.goalscholarship.org/for_donors/

• Physical Space Design• Swedish trails images - http://www.fitnesstrails.com/

• Mission Statement for Program (Philosophy/Beliefs)• Student Selection Criteria and Continuation Policy• Teacher Selection, Professional Development and Community Involvement