High Expectations Equitably Empower Students

10/8/2025 12:06 am

My eldest Atom is unusual in that their TAG is for math, but they tested into ACCESS in language and that is where their skill flourishes. When an invitation to apply to ACCESS came we thought we didn't qualify which was initially substantiated by the head of TAG, but upon further investigation they called back to say that the grade level testing had demonstrated their 99% ability in writing.  This was such a light bulb moment! Would ACCESS be a good fit? Would this program unlock the potential in a language arts/social studies/math/science combo?  Yes! ACCESS created an environment in which everyone was assumed and expected to be able to perform at a high bar which empowered the students to grow.  This opportunity was especially important for the words folks and girls who are not the population that gets sited often in the legend of ACCESS and who deserve more kudos!

In elementary school our older student had a TAG plan to give them more interesting/advanced work to do on their own. Some years this worked well, other years when the classroom teacher was disconnected from engagement it did no harm to their love of learning due to home support.  Our younger student received a lot of social support from the school, but the 2021/22 school year for 1st graders was bonkers for everyone.

ACCESS academy beautifully prepared my student for high school.  The advanced language arts and social studies made the transition to high school a clear next step in the learning and allowed them to place in more appropriate classes once I flagged their history to the counselor. Dr Garcia's science curriculum was integral to preparation for the work load of sophomore chemistry as a freshman, and developed a deep love of science which is continuing. Math practice and thinking has served them well and again has led to more advanced classes, even though they are not in love with math.  ACCESS created an environment in which everyone was assumed and expected to be able to perform at a high bar which empowered the students to go beyond expectations.

- Parent of 5th grader and ACCESS alum