Bishop Seabury Academy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bishop Seabury Academy | |
 |
|
| Address | |
| 4120 Clinton Parkway Lawrence, Kansas, 66047, United States |
|
| Website | |
| http://www.seaburyacademy.org | |
| Information | |
| Religious affiliation | Episcopal |
| Principal | CHRISTOPHER CARTER |
| School type | Middle School/High School |
| Grades | 7-12 |
| Mascot | Seahawk |
| Colors | Blue, Green |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Enrollment | 123 (October 2006) |
Contents |
[edit] About the School
Bishop Seabury Academy is a private, co-educational, Episcopal junior high and high school (grades 7-12) in Lawrence, Kansas. The school is accredited by ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) and is a member of KSHSAA. It is named for Samuel Seabury, first bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. The school heavily stresses individuality and equality and also has one of the lowest tuition rates for a private school in Kansas. It is currently one of two private junior high/ high schools in Lawrence. The other is Veratas christian school.
[edit] History
Bishop Seabury Academy was founded in 1997 by its Board of Trustees and opened with about 32 students at 1411 E. 1850 Road, east of Lawrence in what used to be the Kaw Valley School. Kris Pueschel was the head of school for the first several years. The school went through a rough period during the 2001-2002 school year. Perry Williams, a 7th grader at the time, was killed in a car accident during Christmas Break. Later that winter, Pueshel was removed from his position by the board of trustees. The following year Chris Carter was installed as Head of School, and remains in that position today.
In 2003 the school moved to the Alvamar Racquet Club building at 4120 Clinton Parkway in southwest Lawrence after a large renovation project that turned the building's four tennis courts into classrooms, a science lab, full size gym and stage, and a computer lab. The school also uses an adjacent building (called the annex) on the campus for administrative offices. In December 2006, the school announced a $1.5 million 10th Anniversary Capital Campaign to replace the annex with a new building.[1]
In a recent development, Chris Carter, in an e-mail sent to parents and alumni, announced that he will be resigning at the end of the 2007-2008 school year.
[edit] Academic Curriculum
[edit] 7th Grade
- Algebra I or Pre-Algebra
- English 7
- Earth Science
- Latin 1A
- World Geography
- CHAD (Computer/Health/Art/Drama)
- Gym and Chorus on alternating days
[edit] 8th Grade
- Algebra I or II
- English 8
- Earth Science
- Latin 1B
- World Religions
- CHAD (Computer/Health/Art/Drama)
- Gym and Chorus on alternating days
[edit] 9th Grade
- Algebra II or Geometry
- English 9
- Biology
- Latin II, French I, or Spanish I
- World Civilization I
- Art, Drama, or Chorus
[edit] 10th Grade
- Geometry or Pre-Calculus
- English 10
- Chemistry
- Latin III, or French II
- World Civilization II
- Art, Drama, Journalism, or Chorus
[edit] 11th Grade
Note: Though classes are marked AP (Advanced Placement), they may be taken as AP or Non-AP.
- AP Calculus AB, Pre-Calculus, or Algebra III
- AP American Literature
- AP US History
- Physics
- AP Latin or French III
- Art, Drama, Journalism, or Chorus
[edit] 12th Grade
Note: Though classes are marked AP (Advanced Placement), they may be taken as AP or Non-AP.
- AP Calculus BC or AP Calculus AB
- AP British Literature
- Scripture/Ethics
- Elective (AP US Government and Politics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Latin, French IV)
- Art, Drama, Journalism, or Chorus
Note: More than one elective can be taken if it fits into the student's schedule.
[edit] School Programs
[edit] Athletics
Bishop Seabury Academy has several competing athletic teams in KSHSAA division 1A. Teams are:
- Boys Soccer
- Girls Volleyball
- Cross Country
- Boys Basketball
- Girls Basketball
- Tennis
- Girls Soccer
[edit] Drama/Theatre
One play each season (fall, winter, and spring) are produced by both the upper school and lower school (ninth graders can be cast in either upper or lower school plays, depending on where they are needed). There is also an annual variety show called Applause every spring.
Some previous productions include:
The Theatre program director is Dr. Don Schawang.
[edit] Forensics
During the fall and spring Bishop Seabury Academy's forensics team is active. The team comprised of 9th-12th graders competes on Saturdays at area high schools. Seabury has also hosted forensics tournaments. The team is led by Dr. Don Schawang, and he is amazing.
[edit] Journalism
The Journalism program consists of an afternoon program and a class and is responsible for the production of the school's newspaper, "The Seabury Chronicle", and the yearbook, "The Anchor." The yearbook is provided free to all students each year. The journalism program is directed by Judith Galas.
[edit] Overseas Trips
The academy sponsors multi-day field trips to international destinations every year during the two week spring break. Past trips have included destinations such as Rome, Italy, Paris, France and London, England.
[edit] Issues
There has been a recent rift between students and parents, particularly between those families which have less financial resources and those who are well off. There is a belief among some parents and students that the administration of the school favors the families with more resources, placing their opinions on school matters above those of everyone else. It is known that the school will admit/readmit any and all students so long as they have the financial resources that can support the school.
One of the problems the school currently faces is that many students leave during their junior high years, or especially when going into 10th grade (when Lawrence Public Schools begin high school), leaving the upper school enrollment numbers below where the administration and the Board of Trustees would like. There have also been problems with recruiting new 7th grade classes, despite the move to the in-town campus in 2003. Head of School Chris Carter believed the move would significantly increase enrollment, but the school has just over 120 students even after three years at the new campus. [2]
Another problem stems from the Academy trying to improve its current image. Several edits from the Academy's IP address have changed this article, removing this issues section or renaming it to an "opinion" section. In addition, some former students have expressed regret at the situation calling it, "unprofessional behavior."
