Academics and Discipline

As we close the first nine weeks and begin the second, this is a good time to take another look at the many aspects of academics at Brandon Academy. Today we want to explore the relationship of classroom and school wide discipline as related to academic success.

From our very youngest grades, classroom behavior and expectations are practiced.  Classroom discipline and expectations begin simple in the lower grades and become more advanced in the upper grades.  Research has proven that students themselves seek an orderly and organized environment to learn. Distractions and disorganization have a tendency to stress students and extract from the learning environment.

Classroom discipline and a positive environment are a top priority at BA. Starting with our admission process, students must meet certain requirements, both academic as well as conduct, to qualify. The admission process is paramount to all private schools as this is the time for a school to make the decision on the type of student who will sit in the classroom. Preventing and avoiding potential problems before they begin is a large factor in maintaining a well-structured classroom. At BA, past disciplinary issues is one of the major factors in an admission refusal. Just this past spring, BA refused admission to over 30 high school applicants alone. The reasons are many and vast, but discipline is always a consideration.

Throughout all of our grades we emphasize a system of positive reinforcements and rewards for approved behaviors and a system of consequences for inappropriate ones. The “Conduct Reward Day” we have done in Middle School for many years was one of the items highlighted by the U.S. Department of Education during our Blue Ribbon process. That idea was passed along to other schools in the Blue Ribbon community.

Lastly, it has always been a source of great pride when we lead our students out into the community for field trips and overnight experiences. Time and time again our students have been pointed out for outstanding and respectful behavior. This has happened as near as the local firehouse, all the way to the United States Capital and Arlington National Cemetery.

Our students are our greatest strength and maintaining an environment for them to thrive has been and will continue to be a hallmark of BA.