By Sally Allen, Clarksville Academy
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Clarksville Academy (CA), a Pre-K through twelfth grade college preparatory private school, knows the importance of a college education. Teachers and students at Clarksville Academy are working collaboratively with Austin Peay State University’s Health and Human Performance Department to provide their fourth grade students with a preview of college life.
With college as the goal for each of the students at Clarksville Academy, this opportunity to step outside the traditional lower school model is exciting. CA begins introducing collegiate ideas and principals at an early age. Students are encouraged to learn how a college class and campus operate and this program is an inside look at this process.
“We recognize the win/win for this class and for young future educators and professionals,”said Head of School Kay Drew. “The model APSU and CA use is one that is beneficial to both. We like having students learn more about our school and students while our students benefit from connecting with APSU students.”
Each Thursday for eight weeks, the campus trolley named the Peay Pick Up will come to CA and the fourth grade will board the bus for the Dunn Center. Students are transported just as traditional APSU students who ride the bus.
Once they exit the bus, college students are using their teaching techniques and strategies to engage the students in a performance session. Students are taught rhythm and basic movement exercises, a variety of dance, and gymnastics. The skills sharpen rhythmic movement, develop motor skills, increase coordination and improve balance. Students also learn traditional dances like the waltz, polka, cha cha and fox trot.
The program is something both CA and APSU students enjoy. The program concludes with a performance by CA students for faculty, parents, and the community. This will be held on April 25 at 11:20 a.m. in the Dunn Center.
For more information on this program or Clarksville Academy please visit the website at www.clarksvilleacademy.com.
