User:Ashtonstandeffer/Tuscaloosa Academy

Tuscaloosa Academy, founded in 1967, is a non-sectarian, independent, co-educational, college-preparatory school serving approximately 400 students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade (100 students in grades nine through twelve). Located fifty miles south of Birmingham in West Alabama, the city and surrounding areas of Tuscaloosa is home to approximately 245,740 people. Traditionally, one hundred percent of Tuscaloosa Academy graduates attend four-year colleges and universities. The class of 2009 has 37 students. 38% of the faculty has Masters Degrees and 7% has Doctoral Degrees. Tuscaloosa Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition to a superior college preparatory/honors curriculum, denoted as CP (college preparatory) on official transcripts, the students learn and abide by an Honor System. This is a means of instilling in each individual student an active sense of honor, integrity, personal responsibility, honesty, trustworthiness, self-respect, good citizenship, and respect for the school. It creates an atmosphere of trust at the school by encouraging the entire student body to hold these qualities in the highest esteem. Tuscaloosa Academy students are involved outside of the classroom and are given the opportunity to excel in extracurricular activities. Upper School students average 20 hours of community service and over 75% play at least one sport. All students in grades 7-12 are required to purchase a personal tablet PC resulting in a mastery of technology before graduation. Student health and safety is supported by a preventative mandatory drug testing program for all students in grades 7-12.

"The mission of Tuscaloosa Academy is to provide a college-preparatory education in a supportive environment of intellectual freedom, to cultivate a love of learning, and to maximize each student's potential for academic achievement, character development and readiness for life in a global environment."

Tuscaloosa Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Tuscaloosa Academy is a member of the Alabama Independent School Association, The Alabama Association of Independent Schools, and The Southern Association of Independent Schools.

History

In 1967 Tuscaloosa Academy was organized by a group of local residents who wanted to form a college preparatory school. There were thirteen original members of the Board of Trustees. They hired a Headmaster, Mr. George H. Bell, and a small faculty.

TA did not yet have a building, so they rented space at the old Northington Army Hospital. This building no longer exists but was located near Bruno’s and University Mall.

The school opened in September of 1967 as a coeducational, independent day school with 113 students in grades one through seven.

In January of 1969 a Capital Fund Drive was begun to raise money to build a permanent facility for the school. Also in 1969 the twenty-seven acre site on which Tuscaloosa Academy is now located was donated to the school.

By 1972, TA served students in grades one through twelve. In December of 1972, Tuscaloosa Academy’s Upper School, grades 7 through 12, received accreditation in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

In February of 1972, the school was moved into the building on Rice Valley Road.

In June of 1973, TA’s first Graduation exercises were held in the gymnasium. There were twenty-four graduates in that class, and all of them were accepted into the colleges of their choice.

A preschool program was incorporated into TA in 1978.

The Mission Statement of Tuscaloosa Academy

The mission of Tuscaloosa Academy is to provide a college preparatory education in a supportive environment of intellectual freedom, to cultivate a love of learning, and to maximize each student’s potential for academic achievement, character development, and readiness for life in a global environment.

TA’s Alma Mater - “Midnight Blue”

Midnight blue and gold we love thee: We’ll always hold our banner high Yours the name that we will cherish, Even more as time goes by. When our years in school are ended, Friends are scattered far and wide, We’ll remember old “TA” With laughter, tears, and pride.

An Explanation of the TA Crest

Tuscaloosa Academy’s crest illustrates the principles upon which the school was built. TA was organized shortly after the Kennedy Era, often called the days of Camelot in our country. The founders used the Camelot theme to symbolize their search for Utopia. The school mascot became the Knights, and our yearbook was named Excalibur.

The crest is made in the shape of a shield. The school name appears at the top. Oak leaves and acorns are centered above the shield to symbolize that “from an acorn, the mighty oak grows.” This is the hope for Tuscaloosa Academy and its students.

The shield is divided into four quadrants. In the top left quadrant, the knight’s head is depicted. The knight symbolizes purity and high morals. Knights were the guardians of the land in the days of Camelot. They shared a round table, signifying that they were all equal. Such is the intent at TA, that all students, parents, and faculty will have equal representation at the TA table.

The torch of learning is on the top right side. It symbolizes fidelity and total commitment. The eternal flame that burns on the grave of John F. Kennedy was a possible inspiration for this part of the crest.

The sword at the bottom left quadrant is reminiscent of the sword Excalibur from Camelot. It signifies victory and peace because it is pointing down.

At the bottom right, the year 1967—the year of Tuscaloosa Academy’s founding-- is inscribed.

The Latin words “lux et veritas” (light and truth) are proudly displayed on the school crest as the essence of our existence as a college preparatory school. The school founders embraced the goals of service and learning; they wanted TA students to develop good character and high morals.