Myron B. Thompson Academy
Myron B. Thompson Academy
Myron B. Thompson Academy
Myron B. Thompson Academy
Myron B. Thompson Academy
Myron B. Thompson Academy
Myron B. Thompson Academy
Myron B. Thompson Academy
Imagine your children's learning environment to be this: comfortably sitting under umbrellas at the beach, smelling the ocean, hearing the waves and feeling the warm breeze on their faces as they problem solve a math assignment. Picture a daily routine that includes waking up, going for a stroll, having a conversation, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, followed by writing assignments in the comfort of your home.
Imagine an accredited elementary and secondary charter school that is publicly funded and is free to all students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
This dream environment and top-rate curriculum is, in fact, the reality to all students enrolled in the Myron B. Thompson Academy.
Schools of the future will definitely challenge our current understanding of instruction. Myron B. Thompson Academy (MBTA) is preparing students, kindergarten through 12th grade, to thrive in the 21st century through its blended online and on-site learning environments. Just a few years ago, students sat in rows in classrooms, took notes as the teacher lectured, worked in cooperative groups and then took assignments home to complete.
Students from Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island access their course work anytime, anywhere. Students log in, review their teachers' weekly plans and begin to work. They might have “live class,” where students meet in a virtual classroom; they might engage in voice thread discussions in which they write, record or video their responses; or they might complete a reading and accompanying assignment. Students collaborate using a suite of Google applications. To complement the online courses, MBTA hosts a number of face-to-face activities (First Lego League Robotics Team, Speech Team, Science Camp and Debate Camp) as well as on-site courses (Animation, Film, Performing Arts, Guitar, Ukulele with Brother Noland and Art).
This online environment and freedom from the traditional bell schedule affords students opportunities to pursue outside interests and spend more time with their families. Many MBTA students have busy lives. In fact, some compete in national athletic competitions, travel or hold part-time jobs/internships. Students learn time management skills and become self-directed.
MBTA is proud of its enthusiastic faculty. Many teachers hold advanced degrees; many are young and very current in their content area, and all are tech savvy. Teachers report to school daily and teach from the facility. This allows for teacher interaction, interdisciplinary planning, staff development and face-to-face sessions with students. Recent staff and student accomplishments include first place in the Road Runner High School Video Contest; state winner and national contestant in the VFW essay competition; and the selection of a teacher team to present a national webinar on online learning.
Two years ago, a curriculum redesign commenced in the middle school with student input in course evaluation every step of the way. Seventh and eighth grades are completed, and ninth grade is underway. Secondary teachers are revamping individual courses and a series of engineering classes are being designed.
In 2008, the Thompson Extension Academy (TEA) was created to provide students from other public schools an opportunity to take courses for credit for free. Currently, 500 students from 29 public schools are serviced yearly.
MBTA prides itself on forward movement and innovation. Interested in joining the MBTA family? Applications for the new school year can be downloaded at ethompson.org. The deadline to apply is June 16.
