 Our History
The Applied Learning Academy was conceived in 1992 as a continuing level for participants in the elementary level applied learning program at Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center, but open to other district students as well. For their first school year, 1993-94, the program was housed in the old Professional Development Center on Lancaster and University, across from Casa Manana and the Kimbell Art Museum. There were about 60 students and two teacher-directors, Kay Shambaugh and Mary Adler.
The school moved in the 1994-95 school year to the former Bluebonnet Elementary School on the corner of Stadium Street and South Drive. It continued to grow in size and scope under the leadership of teacher-directors Kay Shambaugh and Hazel Russell, who later became Principal and Assistant Principal. The student body increased to approximately 275.
In September of 2000, the school moved to its current location in the historic Neiman-Marcus building on Camp Bowie Boulevard. The Applied Learning Academy shares this location with the International Newcomer Academy. There are currrently about 360 students in the program. Randy Scott, the current Principal, joined the school in the 2005-06 school year.
Our Mission
Our charter and mission is to establish and nurture a learning community which challenges traditional assumptions about the educational process in a way that
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creates a student-centered environment where students have choices, make decisions, accept responsibility, and work cooperatively;
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allows students to experience acceptance and criticism in a supportive environment;
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involves students in powerul learning experiences which include Applied Learrning projects and community service; and
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provides for broad-based involvement of student-mentors, institutions of higher learning, parents, and community in decision-making
so that students acquire a foundation of learning and real-world experiences which equip them to participate in traditional and non-traditional institutions of learning and become motivated, successful, life-long learners, collaborative problem solvers, and community participants. |
Our Vision
We intend to be the best middle school in the district. All members of our learning community will work and learn together, caring about and supporting one another, ensuring that student achievement is high, that staff continues to grow professionally, and that parents and other community members are involved as equal partners in supporting teaching and learning. |
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Fun Fact: Before the Neiman-Marcus building was constructed on this site, there was a drive-in movie theater. | |
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