St Michael Academy
Press Release
By R. Davis
May 9, 2019 1:00 p.m.
‘Experiential Education’ is an exciting buzz word at St. Michael Academy. The historic private Catholic school in downtown Fernandina Beach prides itself on offering hands-on educational experiences for all of its students. SMA is known for its academic strength, and the faculty are experts in teaching concepts and theories to each grade level from PreK through 8th grade. In recent years, the school’s curriculum has been enriched through the utilization of real-world applications. St. Michael Academy is the only school in the area with a formal educational relationship with White Oak, a 680 acre conservation park with a mission of protecting rare animals. The students are able to visit this private facility four different times throughout the school year to research fragile ecosystems and endangered species. At the beginning of the year, SMA students select a specific challenge inherent in this environment. Using analytical research methods, they collaborate to discover solutions. This project-based learning allows for them to take their classroom leaning and put it to practical use.
White Oak is not the only signature program that the school offers. St. Michael Academy has recently joined forces with the Reef Institute in Palm Beach. Known for its expertise on coral reef conservation, this institution works with certain educators to implement practical curriculum in Marine Biology. SMA is the only school in Northern Florida that has created a formal educational collaboration. Because of the unique geographic location of the school (in proximity to the ocean, the intercostal, and the Geenway), students are able to take multiple excursions to these areas, collecting data and valuable information on our waterways, their ecosystems, and environmental issues therein.
Experiential education takes place in all aspects of school life on campus. Even the beginning of the school day incorporates hands-on learning. Morning Prayer is a daily tradition where the entire school gathers in the Courtyard for prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and interactive riddles, trivia, and word games. The Student Council leads Friday’s Morning Prayer, promoting leadership and public speaking skills. Another participatory opportunity unique to the school is The House Team System. All students are ‘sorted’ into three teams that include boys and girls from all grade levels. (The Saints, Marlins, and Archangels – SMA). These teams compete in various games and activities throughout the year, culminating in points being awarded for the House Championship. Such a program has promoted healthy interaction among the various grades and ages, allowing for the older students to be role models and mentors for the younger. Other interactive programs include the Harkness Method (a discussion-based methodology in which students lead the class); and a Visiting Author Program (through which a bestselling author directly works with the boys and girls, showing them the craft of writing and illustrating.)
Celebrating its 20th anniversary as SMA this year, the school actually dates back to 1881, when the Sisters of St. Joseph established the original academy. During that time, the sisters were instrumental in educating disenfranchised populations, and were known for their life-saving actions during the yellow fever epidemic (even giving of their own lives to help). This history inspires the current students to give of themselves to others. Their experiential education extends to going out of their way in community service efforts – including volunteering for Katie Caples Race, Toys for Tots, and many more. The school takes pride in its history of hands-on actions, and the students are paying it forward through innovative experiential curriculum and outreach programs.
St. Michael Academy enrolls children in PreK through 8th grade. Its current enrollment is 240. The school consistently ranks high in standardized testing; and SMA students are subsequently placed in honors and upper level courses when they move on to high school. SMA is open to all faith traditions, and scholarships are available. For more information, or to schedule a visit, contact the office (904)321-2102, or email [email protected].