The San Antonio Academy is a pre-K – 8 school serving boys and their families in San Antonio, TX.  The Gurian Institute has been honored to work with the school over the last six years.  The school became a Gurian Model School three years ago and has now fulfilled the requirements for re-certification as a Model School.   More about the school and its successes follows in this blog post.

Assistant Head of School Kimberly Dunn recently told Michael Gurian, “We are excited to re-certify and thus continue our work with the Gurian Institute.  The pedagogical theory and strategies we’ve gained and implemented from GI over the last few years have led to affirmation of our structure as leading edge and increased child, parent, and staff awareness of best teaching practice.  GI provides a lens on boys’ development like no other institution I know of.  I think of SAA as already a great school and GI makes us greater.”

San Antonio Academy 

Serving an average of 350 students in Prekindergarten through Grade 8, San Antonio Academy of Texas educates boys to succeed in life – scholastically, emotionally, and physically – with a focus on kindness and integrity.

Founded in 1886, this independent, nonsectarian school embraces the traditions and values that have served young men well for over 130 years. In a family‐like atmosphere that forges lifelong friendships, The Academy teaches boys to accept responsibility and aspire to excellence. The rigorous and well‐rounded academic program focuses on the fundamentals and results in impressive student outcomes.

Each day begins with a beloved school-wide chapel program that reinforces the love of God and country while teaching valuable life lessons. Academy boys also shine in athletics and in fine arts. Through the respected military program in grades 3‐8, boys acquire leadership skills and develop the esprit de corps that comes from working together to achieve common goals.

Our work with the Gurian Institute has been very powerful, providing us with professional development, parent participation, and avenues for increased student engagement that take education at SAA to new levels.   Here are some testimonials from teachers who are applying GI strategies.

–Theresa Moore, Licensed Mental Heatlth Counselor and first Certified GI Trainer at SAA

“Students are encouraged to collaborate on completing the homework assignment. This activity allows students to move around and to communicate with each other. I encourage the boys to stay on task, but I also know that they will stray into conversations about things other than the assignment. I allow a little of this behavior before giving the signal to return to the task at hand. Instead of a chime or bell I give a short whistle to bring the guys back in.”  – Mike Hansen, 7^th/8^th Grade Pre-AP Algebra and Geometry

“In order to help release stress, we pick a ‘smell’ for the diffuser each morning. We practice deep breathing, clearing our minds, and relaxing our bodies. We also help train our brains by practicing ‘I am’ statements before tests.” – Moye Mullins, 2nd Grade Teacher

“When introducing a new chapter or subject matter I choose a piece of artwork or illustrations relevant to class material. The exercise begins by having the students close their eyes. They are instructed to say ‘What they SEE’ when told to open their eyes. This is repeated with THINK and WONDER. Then as they continue to study the chapter, the observations, questions and thoughts are gradually clarified or supported by the facts. This is a favorite with students.” – Tyna Powers, 4^th Grade Social Studies, on implementing Developmental Expectations and The Brain

“I use constant movement in my classroom by incorporating music, finger plays, dancing, and games.”   – Iliana Hieger, Pre-K through 2nd grade Spanish Class