Fortis Academy in Ypsilanti not only offers their talented students great programs and courses to grow academically, but also promotes and prioritizes teachings on being virtuous members of society. The academy believes that strong hearts and minds, on top of a strong education, can make a profound impact on the world. They live out this belief by intertwining the principles of personal growth and personal responsibility into their curriculum at every age. Students are recognized and celebrated for living out monthly morals on their path to personal growth, as well as given a contract at the beginning of the school year to help them understand personal responsibility.
The mixture of the two components of teaching virtues and academics creates students who are well-rounded for their future pursuits, not only in regards to their scholarly endeavors but with their personal lives as well.
The academy lays a strong educational foundation early on in the student's life through a variety of subjects as well as specials, electives, and extracurriculars. Starting in kindergarten, teachers begin forming young minds by building up their understanding of compassion and empathy for one another. This helps the students form ideas and express those ideas in a respectful way through their writing and classroom discussions. Their social studies curriculum ties in as the learners are taught the values of American democracy and how this can help them to both analyze and engage in the world around them as thoughtful citizens.
From third through fifth grade, educators begin to elaborate on the topics of respect, cooperation, and personal responsibility. This goes hand-in-hand with enhanced reading comprehension and the formation of inferences and the ability to draw meaningful conclusions. This comprehension also assists the students in writing their own stories, essays and poems. In science class, they begin to learn more about complex human and animal systems, as well as matter, energy, and rock formation. Their lessons are intended to help students apply concepts into real-world situations regarding technology, mechanics and engineering.
As sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, students end their journey at Fortis and begin preparing for high school, college, and beyond. They are encouraged to analyze and question the world around them, which helps in understanding the complex issues that affect their communities and the world. Their social studies curriculum gives them the tools to understand their responsibilities as citizens of the United States. Math class also intertwines into their everyday life, as the students learn about tying geometry theories and patterns into the fabric of their lives, as well as how to devise strategy with probability problems.
Fortis provides activities beyond core curriculum before, during and after school hours. Throughout the school day, various specials, such as art, physical education, and music are provided to further form well-rounded individuals. After school, students have the opportunity to participate in team sports, such as flag football (for both boys and girls) and cross country. Outside of sports, Fortis students have the chance to engage in unique, character-building clubs such art club for kindergarteners through second-graders and safety club for sixth through eighth graders.
One of the most exciting opportunities for students, specifically third through fifth grade girls, is Girls on the Run. This ten week after school program, "allow[s] every girl to recognize her inner strength" and "inspires girls to define their lives on their own terms." As stated before, Fortis believes in developing a strong heart and a strong mind, which is embodied through this program. They are not only encouraging the young women of their academy but inspiring the students to carry out the positive mission of Girls on the Run, passing it on to both younger and older classmates.
Learn more about Fortis Academy by visiting their website: