Hope Academy is in the business of helping people find their hope and pursue their purpose. The Academy focuses on the educational needs of downtown Savannah adults to expand their worldview and to help them achieve the purpose for their life. Each prospective student is assessed on academic ability, learning style, career preference, and when necessary, learning disabilities and attention differences. These assessments will help to determine whether it is best for the student to follow the High School diploma path or to complete a GED exam. Most students will then participate in Math and English refresher courses to bring them up to speed. All students will receive training on learning styles and study skills. In November of 2015, Hope Academy began another new chapter. Heather, and a corps of other leaders, began meeting with a group of refugee women to help them learn English in a conversational, relationship centered way. By the end of the first quarter of 2016, this outreach has blossomed to include nearly 30 refugee women and their children. This Women’s English Club, (WEC), now includes two full classes of ESL (English as a Second Language) learning as well as activities for the children. Due to cultural and pragmatic barriers, these women are unable to attend more traditional ESL programs such as the ones offered at Savannah Tech. We are partnered with the Whitefield Center and we meet at the Center (corner of 37th and Drayton).
Meet the Staff, Brian & Heather Flood
Brian and Heather Flood said ‘yes’ in the Fall of 2014 when members from the community approached them to offer an education program to help adults in the downtown Thomas Square community overcome barriers to rising above poverty. With Brian’s 20+ years in retail and banking management and Heather’s 10+ years in education the Flood’s bring an individualized approach to assessing the needs of Hope Academy’s students. Their heart is to see the residents of Savannah rise above the challenges they face and become leaders within their community. To learn how you can support Hope Academy, become a tutor, teacher or mentor or how you can become a student please email Brian at [email protected].
Methodology
Hope Academy incorporates a personalized learning model based on homeschooling and independent study programs. Students attend weekly classes for instruction and use homework coaches to help them complete their studies.
Each student is interviewed to identify their education background, available resources and future goals to assist them in determining the best education path for them. Barriers such as learning disabilities or unstable home environments are identified as well.
Students go through a career and learning styles seminar to help them identify possible career paths and their learning style.
Students are provided study skills training that build on their primary and secondary learning style to help them with both academic and job skills.
Career mentors are made available for students to interview about potential careers and to share practical insights in achieving their goals.
Essential workplace seminars are offered covering topics such as interviews, resumes, communication, employee/employer expectations, and conflict resolution to help students improve their viability in applying for a job, getting hired, keeping a job and growing in their field.
Continuing academic assistance is made available through homework coaches as students pursue higher education and job training at area colleges and technical schools.