Mesa Public Schools Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies » about us

Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

6919 East Brown Road · Mesa, AZ 85207 · 480.308.7400
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ABOUT

The Academy opened in August 2007 to serve students in grades four through eight, with a capacity of approximately 500 students. A ninth grade class was added in 2008 - 2009 as the Academy transitioned into its permanent grades five through nine configuration.

Academy

Our contemporary new facility is conveniently located on the southeast corner of Power and Brown roads, adjacent to Fremont Junior High School. The classrooms and science laboratory are equipped with the latest technology, including laptop computers, smartboards, document cameras, wireless Internet access and web delivered resources. Additionally, the Academy has a multipurpose room and a state-of-the-art media center which includes an i-mac lab and access to multiple web-based resources and databases.

The Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies provides an academically challenging and socially engaging experience for all children. The staff is committed to the advancement of students in a safe and supportive learning environment.

Academy studies will prepare students for advanced college-level courses in high school, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced placement.

ADMISSION

A student will be admitted to the Academy upon acceptance by the Admissions Committee. A student seeking admission to the Academy should possess skills, abilities and acumen. The model student is academically successful and has a strong work ethic.

The application packet includes the application, the Parent-Student Commitment Letter, Letter of Support Forms for the child's teacher(s), and an authorization to obtain the student's educational records.


CURRICULUM

With a rigorous curriculum, students have an opportunity for in-depth learning during a structured learning day. Academy students achieve superior levels of knowledge and understanding through principles of inquiry and hands-on activities.

Each student at the Academy receives an international education with integrated themes throughout the subjects that promote global understanding.

The Academy provides a solid foundation in the core academic classes, including literature, composition, writing, mathematics, and science. To complement the curriculum, students engage in an exploration of the literary classics.

Foreign language is an integral part of the curriculum, and students are expected to become competent in a second language through interactive instruction. Students also participate in music, art, technology, and physical education.

IB

The Academy is currently seeking to become authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization, in order to offer students a seamless transition to the district’s IB Diploma Programme at Westwood High School, or any of the district's Advanced Placement (AP) programs.  We were approved last year as an IB candidate school, and are now in the second phase of the authorization process.  Our goal is to receive authorization from IB during the 2009 - 2010 school year.

DRESS

The Academy has an official standard of dress to create a cohesive learning environment that is free from distraction. This expectation allows staff to identify students in attendance, decrease competition based on appearance and eliminate issues related to controversial or inappropriate dress.

TRANSPORTATION

Bus transportation is available at a limited number of transportation satellites throughout the Mesa district. If using MPS transportation, parents are responsible for transporting students to and from the transportation satellite.