CUL DE SAC:---- St. Maarten Academy conducted an interactive Open House on Thursday, February 2, 2017, hosting 200 plus parents and students, who are preparing to write the upcoming Foundation Based (FBE) Exit Examination.
The informative session, which ran from 6:00—8:00 pm, began with a short program in the courtyard at the school’s academic campus and concluded with several guided group tours.
“St. Maarten Academy has a rich history as the largest and oldest secondary school on the island where English is the language of instruction. Beyond our academic achievements, we have garnered many awards in essay, debate, sports, and art competitions,” stated Principal drs. Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool, who, along with a vivid presentation of Academy’s expectations, curriculum, culture, and achievements, encouraged parents and the 6 Grade students of several elementary schools to work towards attaining a combined average score of 70 percent or higher to gain admission into Form 1 at the Academy.
Form 1 students receive 14 subjects - Art, Care, Civics, Dutch, English Language and Literature, French, Guidance & Mentoring, Information Technology, Integrated Science, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Social Studies, and Spanish. To which, Baly-Vanterpool stresses, “At the St. Maarten Academy, we don’t only work to excel academically; we also work towards shaping character, promoting leadership and civic responsibility.”
That evening, several students, including Kevin Lambert, Ashar Gumbs, Aimee Monchery, and the 1A2 Quartet, performed renditions for the audience. Faculty members and support staff were also introduced. After the general session, current CSEC and CAPE students gave participants guided campus tours to the Art Room, the Library, Gym and several classes, where faculty members and students showcased what is offered in their departments: Information Technology, Science, Modern Languages, Social Sciences, Dutch, English and Business.
“We strive to create an atmosphere at our school where anyone can walk in and be greeted by a welcoming environment and say to themselves, ‘There is something special going on here! Learning is taking place here,’” continued Baly-Vanterpool. She boasts that, “St. Maarten Academy continues to excel academically. This year, we graduated the largest class of 106 CSEC students and 17 CAPE Students, with a 100% high school passes and 90% college passes. Fourteen out of seventeen CAPE students received their CAPE Associate degree, two diplomas and one, a certificate.”
St. Maarten Academy is a diverse and accredited school with an average of 500 students. It continues to uphold its motto of caring, learning, achieving and excelling, creating an atmosphere where students develop values, intellect, and character to become productive members locally and around the world.
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