The Traditional Academy 

What makes this a traditional school?

The Traditional Academy at Jacob G. Smith offers an enriched and highly structured curriculum that develops intellectual skills and concepts for strong academic achievement.  The program provides a quiet, orderly environment with few interruptions during the school day.  The school is academically oriented with the main focus on mastering basic academic skills and developing effective study habits.  Emphasis is placed on citizenship and our American heritage to help students develop an appreciation for the principles of democracy and the contributions of others in our history.

The curriculum incorporates the Core Knowledge sequence, along with other areas of instrution.  Students are instructed in the Latin language from Kindergarten to 5th grade anAt a nominal charge to parents, students are offered stringed instrument instruction in the before-school music program.  Safety patrols are used to model good citizenship and assist with school functions.  In addition, monthly schoolwide assemblies are held to promote school pride and honor students for good citizenship.

Jacob G. Smith places a strong emphasis on communication between parents and the staff.  The Internet and daily or weekly progress reports allow parents and teachers to communicate regularly. Parents are encouraged to be an active part of their child’s educational experiences.  Our requirement is that both parents and students agree to follow a rigid discipline code.  It is expected that parents and students will support the school’s commitment to high academic standards, a traditional philosophy, and strict enforcement of the Districts Code of Conduct.  Uniformity of dress is an important part of the orderly atmosphere of consistency and conformity at Jacob G. Smith.  All students must wear the navy and white uniform. To apply for the magnet program at Jacob G. Smith, students must have conduct and academic grades  of S or E for prior and current school years.   To remain in the program, students must maintain an S or an E in conduct grades and maintain 80's or above in all core academic subjects. 

We believe that our supportive, structured environment will foster the mastery of academic skills, the development of effective study habits, and the promotion of positive self-images and values.  Jacob G. Smith prides itself on having caring and supportive staff.  We have instilled the importance of community service to students at an early age.  Each grade level, including kindergarten, is responsible for sponsoring a community service project annually.  The school’s business partners support educational and social activities for the students.  We believe that each student will achieve his full academic and social potential at Jacob G. Smith with the commitment of nurturing parents and dedicated staff.  All of these aspects sum up our motto—Excelsior per Academiam-Upwards/Onwards Through Education.

Jacob G. Smith Traditional Academy