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How Women in Education are Changing Charter Schools

Women's Journal Staff on September 30, 2024

By: Legacy College Prep

When it comes to shaping the future of education, strong leadership makes all the difference—and at Legacy College Prep Charter School, women are leading the charge. Their success story is a powerful reminder of how female leaders are building inclusive, thriving learning communities that leave a lasting impact on students’ lives.

Founded by Summer Schneider, Legacy College Prep exhibits a unique approach that allows it to achieve outstanding results. The 100% college acceptance rate is proof that their approach is working, with a dedication to its students and a deep understanding of the importance of education, regardless of background. 

Female Leadership that Drives Success

At the heart of Legacy’s success is its founder and executive director, Summer Schneider. 

Legacy College Prep wouldn’t achieve such success without the efforts and innovative ideas of its founder and Executive Director, Summer Schneider. With 15 years of experience in education, she has coached and managed numerous teachers and staff, previously serving as a Dean of Instruction and math teacher at Noble Network of Charter Schools. Drawing on her years of experience in education, she was quick to realize what the industry was lacking: strong female leadership that would inspire both students and staff. 

Only 21% of high schoolers in the U.S. are well-prepared for college (Source: Skillademia, 2024). Summer wasn’t okay with that, and her determination to change the narrative has shaped Legacy into the standout institution it is today.

According to the Education Data Initiative, female high school graduates are around 65% more likely to immediately enroll in 4-year institutions compared to males (Source: Education Data Initiative, 2024). It’s not surprising that women started an educational reform that will change the way educators and students approach learning processes.

A Strong Academic Foundation

Legacy College Prep’s rigorous academic structure goes beyond the basics, offering rigorous instruction and character development that prepares students for school and life success. Teaching students to be ambitious prepares them for professional aspirations, allowing them to set and achieve their goals. 

Every middle school student spends 100 minutes daily on both Math and English Language Arts, while the high school students focus on AP courses, and electives designed to give students a well-rounded education. Success is only possible with repetition, so all teachers track student progress and make adjustments when needed. In middle school, intervention courses are held twice a week for additional math and reading growth. These constant interactions with students help ensure personalized support and better results overall.

And the best part? Teachers aren’t just instructors — they’re creators. Legacy uses teachers not only as instructors, but creators of unique learning experiences. Legacy allows its educators to design their own courses, providing students with dynamic, engaging learning experiences that go beyond traditional methods. This innovative approach aims that students are not only learning but also growing into curious, self-driven individuals.

Building Character, Not Just Academics

Math and ELA classes are not the only focus of Legacy’s teachers. Special attention is given to proper character development necessary for future success. 

Several studies highlight the importance of the character of people pursuing higher education. It is revealed that students with strong “academic perseverance” were more than twice as likely to enroll in a four-year college than their peers with lower perseverance levels (Source: The University of Chicago Consortium on School Research, 2017). Non-cognitive factors significantly predicted college enrollment beyond academic achievements like GPA. 

This is reflected in the Legacy’s PRIDE core values: (P)rofessionalism, (R)espect, (I)ntegrity, (D)etermination, and (E)ngagement. They are woven into every aspect of school life. By teaching students proper character traits, such as good judgment, mindfulness, self-discipline, respect toward others, and taking risks when necessary, the teachers prepare them for the work environment and life outside college walls. 

No matter how bright the students are, without proper character development, they won’t reach the same levels of success, and sadly, many charter schools and educational systems overlook this.

College-Ready Culture

Part of helping schoolers transition is creating a college-focused environment. At Legacy, classrooms are named after universities, college banners line the hallways, and students participate in annual college seminars. This creates an environment where higher education isn’t just a dream; it’s an expectation.

Annual college seminars and dedicated alumni support guide younger generations, preparing them for a life beyond high school. At the same time, extracurricular clubs like anime or slime clubs teach them that learning can be fun, and a volunteer mandate creates an involved community.

Legacy has become a hub of growth and learning that includes not just students but also teachers and parents. It is an inclusive place that combines rigorous academics with a values-driven culture, creating future academic citizens and, more importantly, successful members of society.

Strong female leadership can help bring a fresh perspective into an existing work field. We can all learn from Legacy College Prep School and Mrs. Summer Schneider about the benefits of an open mind and inclusive environment. By thinking outside of the box, Legacy has created a 100% college acceptance rate – an outcome not many charter schools can brag about. These results showcase how this new, well-rounded approach might be the future of education. 

Sources: 

  1. https://www.skillademia.com/blog/high-school-statistics/
  2. https://educationdata.org/college-enrollment-statistics 
  3. https://consortium.uchicago.edu/publications/beyond-academic-readiness-building-broader-range-skills-success-college

 

Published By: Aize Perez

Travel With Ely: Elysabeth Lamoureux Shares Her Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Getaway

Women's Journal Staff on September 30, 2024

Planning a trip can be both thrilling and daunting, but Travel With Ely founder, Elysabeth Lamoureux, has the perfect guide to help you craft an adventure that meets your every expectation. Whether you’re setting off alone or gathering friends for a shared journey, a well-thought-out plan is key to making your travel dreams a reality. Here’s how to streamline your trip planning process, ensuring your next journey is one for the books.

1. Determine Who’s Going

The first step in any travel planning process is identifying who’ll be joining you. Are you embarking on a solo adventure, planning a family getaway, or organizing a girls’ trip? This decision shapes everything that follows, from the destination to the activities you’ll engage in. Knowing your travel companions’ preferences will help tailor the trip to everyone’s enjoyment.

2. Set a Budget

Setting a clear budget is crucial to keeping your travel plans realistic and stress-free. Consider all aspects of your trip: travel expenses, accommodations, meals, activities, and even those unexpected splurges. Elysabeth emphasizes that a well-defined budget enables you to explore and enjoy without worrying about overspending, allowing you to make the most out of your journey.

3. Choose the Right Atmosphere

Every trip has a vibe, so it’s essential to decide what atmosphere you’re aiming for. Are you craving a laid-back beach retreat, an adrenaline-filled adventure, or a cultural city exploration? The atmosphere you choose should reflect the interests of your travel group, ensuring that everyone feels excited and satisfied with the destination.

Travel With Ely Elysabeth Lamoureux Shares Her Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Getaway (3)

Photo Courtesy: Elysabeth Lamoureux

4. Do Your Research

Research is the backbone of any successful trip. With your group, budget, and desired vibe in mind, delve into travel blogs, review sites, and social media to gather inspiration. This helps you avoid potential pitfalls, like accidentally booking a family-friendly resort during a spring break rush or finding out that your chosen spot isn’t quite what you imagined. Elysabeth’s tip: Pay attention to travel seasons, weather conditions, and any local events that might impact your experience.

5. Create a Loose Itinerary

Once your destination is chosen, it’s time to craft a flexible itinerary. Identify key activities, must-see attractions, and local experiences you don’t want to miss. Consider currency exchange rates, transportation options, and nearby cities or towns worth exploring. Elysabeth recommends keeping this plan loose to allow room for spontaneity – some of the best travel memories come from unplanned adventures! 

Planning your itinerary also helps with packing; knowing your activities in advance makes it easier to bring the right outfits and essentials.

Travel With Ely Elysabeth Lamoureux Shares Her Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Getaway (4)

Photo Courtesy: Elysabeth Lamoureux

6. Find the Right Accommodation

Where you stay can make or break your trip, so choose accommodations that align with your budget, group size, and desired atmosphere. Whether it’s a luxurious hotel, a vibrant hostel, or a spacious Airbnb, your choice should complement your itinerary and provide a comfortable base for your adventures.

Elysabeth Lamoureux’s travel planning guide offers a structured, practical approach to organizing any trip. By following these steps, you can create a journey tailored to your group’s needs and preferences. Whether you’re off on a solo exploration or coordinating a large family gathering, careful planning ensures that every moment is memorable.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your calendar, start planning, and get ready to embark on an incredible adventure. As Elysabeth would say, the world is waiting – make the most of it!

Published by: Josh Tatunay

Stay Positive and Reap the Benefits of Confidence

Women's Journal Staff on September 30, 2024

Women looking to start up a fitness program are unfortunately surrounded by predatory practices, and they take many forms. Sometimes, a big-name trainer will try to sway mass amounts of people with big, colorful advertisements displaying their physique, even though they don’t follow the program they’d give to you. Supplements, despite the nomenclature suggesting optionality, are marketed as essential for fat burning or optimum fitness. Fad diets come at you in two ways: either ads are marketed at you to make you feel ashamed of the foods that you do eat, or they push a specific—and typically expensive—food or smoothie that you can’t do without. It’s no wonder so many women leave their programs a few weeks in. For women who want a positive program, OviPhysiques offers a solution. Ovi Ilica has grown his training brand to fix the unhealthy dent of “quick fixes” in the fitness industry.  

For Ovi, this business is his dream. He feels grateful to wake up and work on exercise and diet programs for all his clients because of how passionate he is about fitness. Before he worked as a trainer and started OviPhysiques, Ovi was much less in control of his life, especially in the workplace. The first time he was laid off, he felt frustrated and scared for the state of his family. He found more work and got laid off again. This time, more clear-headed, he followed his heart and created an LLC after getting certified as a nutrition specialist and personal trainer. He continues his education with ACE and ISSA, the American Council on Exercise and the International Sports Sciences Association, respectively, and he got a TRX certification while working at Orangetheory. Additionally, at that job, he coached over 7,500 classes and took the titles of Dual Head Coach and Regional Manager. Ovi has competed in Men’s Physique bodybuilding shows, and he’s written over 800 unique programs for clients. His passion drives him, and he wants to show his son, with every day at work, that you can be happy and successful if you believe in your potential. His philosophy is an extension of this passion and positivity. 

One pillar of Ovi’s approach to making a program for a client is listening. He needs to know where clients stand on what they find to be their own strengths, and he wants clients to know that strengths are where to start. Women get targeted with negativity in all sorts of fitness ads, but there’s a great sense of relief and motivation when you can start off with things in your comfort zone. Maybe you used to dance, skate, or run in school. You’re probably keen on stretching, and that’s a great way to get moving! Alternatively, you might not feel confident at all in your fitness, but you’re an excellent communicator at work and in your social life. You can spend the early part of your program working heavily on form, with significant communication to help you feel comfortable. If you’re someone who snacks a lot, how can you incorporate foods that make you feel energized into a snack break? If you cook, what are some universal changes that give recipes better nutrients without sacrificing flavor? All of these reflect a positive approach; Ovi will always advocate for adding something or starting with a technique instead of reducing or taking away. 

This philosophy bleeds into future sessions. Clients consistently find themselves gaining confidence as they continue training and see (and feel!) their bodies change. What may have started as a weight loss goal could add aspects related to a sport you’ve always wanted to try or improve everyday function. Positivity challenges the myth of motivation. The myth of motivation is the idea that ‘motivation’ is some specter that lives outside of a person and finds its way to one’s brain via speeches or outside factors. It separates the term from the definition. Motivation can’t exist on its own, and it needs to be supplemented with practice. For long-term goals, consistency beats motivation. If you ask a client, “Are you motivated to lose weight?” of course they are! It’s developing positive practices that bring continuous motivation, so Ovi focuses on building up his clients rather than his bank account. If you want to know what you’re capable of, you should train with someone who believes in the extreme possibilities of your potential. Work with Ovi and the OviPhysiques program, and change the way you move, think, and believe in yourself. 

 

Published by: Khy Talara