At the Andrew J. Brown Academy, a charter school located on the city’s Eastside, students’ are provided a holistic educational experience where their learning can go far beyond the classroom.
Carrying on a legacy
Rev. Dr. Tommy Brown has always been a strong advocate for learning and decided to found a charter school.
He naturally named the school after his late father, Rev. Andrew J. Brown, to leave a legacy of him and others who fought tirelessly for all who sought an equal chance at an education.
“Education was priority for my father,” said Brown. “I can recognize that because he stayed on me!”
Academics and integrity
Drive along North German Church Road and you’ll find the Andrew J. Brown Academy, 3600 German Church Rd. At this oasis of learning, you’ll also find students who are afforded a distinct approach to education.
The school is managed by National Heritage Academies and was founded on academic excellence, moral focus, parental partnership and student responsibility.
The school’s approach to learning is simple.
“We’re a back to basics school with an emphasis on moral focus,” said Thelma Wyatt, principal of the Andrew J. Brown Academy. “We believe that if a student gets a good foundation, once they finish high school, they will be college-bound.”
In addition to their studies, Wyatt and her staff teach the K-8 students moral values and self direction. In order to ensure success in academics and satisfactory behavior, teachers undergo regular training and development.
The academy has made considerable strides in its eight years of existence, but much if it is due to supportive and involved parents and extremely dedicated teachers who go beyond the blackboard.
“It’s important to educate the whole child. Unfortunately, you can’t teach a hungry child math. If their clothing isn’t right, that may be the difference in a child raising their hand to ask a question,” said counselor Christine Pounds. “We make sure our students get what they need.”
A community of care
Academics are the basis of any school, but Wyatt believes kids should be well rounded and socially developed.
By educating the head and the heart, students are provided opportunities that enrich their lives.
Students have participated in the Black History Bowl, played in a charter league basketball program, attended a free summer camp and participated in YMCA programs among other activities.
Students also get a healthy dose of receiving and giving. This year, they participated in Pennies for Patients, collected teddy bears for Riley and teamed up with Two Men and a Truck to collect goods for families that live in shelters.
“When you can teach your kids that early on, it makes them better people,” said Wyatt. “They realize that ‘even if I don’t have much, I can still help my fellow man.'”
At Andrew J. Brown Academy, it’s all about kids getting a good footing in academics and leading life with virtue.
For more information, call (877) 223-6402 or visit ajbrown.heritageacademies.com.
