Innovative New High School Opening in St. Lucie County
August 9, 2021 is the Ribbon Cutting for St. Lucie County’s newest high school, Tradition Preparatory High School. All community members are invited to attend the event from 4 to 7 PM with local business leaders, community leaders and school staff and families. The school will be offering full tours of the building at the event. Then, on August 10th Tradition Prep High School will open their doors for the 2021 – 2022 school year to nearly 600 9th and 10th graders. The new high school is managed by Charter Schools USA, who is the management company for Renaissance Charter School of St Lucie and Renaissance Charter School of Tradition.
The high school is giving families a choice beyond their zoned high schools. “A charter school allows for students to go to the school that is actually best for them- maybe the curriculum, or the size of the classroom or the uniform policy or whatnot. So, these are the things that are uniquely designed to give the parent the choice and the student the custom education that best fits their learning style and the results that they are looking for” explains Jon Hage, Charter School USA CEO.
Like other high schools in the area, the school will offer a chance for advanced students to earn college credits. They will do this through the AICE program and AP classes. Students completing the required coursework in both could graduate with an AICE diploma and an AP diploma earning them the top level of the state’s Bright Future Scholarship. What makes the school standout to others in the area is the programming.
Tradition Prep High School will be a WISH school. Wish focuses on wellness, innovation, science, and health.
WELLNESS
The programs the high school will be showcasing are designed to support students physically, emotionally, and socially. A balanced high school experience ensures graduates are well rounded and successful both academically and personally.
The school will feature:
• On-site health and wellness programs
• Diverse physical education and personal health curriculum
• Internationally acclaimed social and emotional learning curriculum called Altitude is Attitude
• Extracurricular activities and competitive sports program options
• College guidance and support for students and families that include college prep workshops, summer camps and continual college/career guidance
INNOVATION
The WISH model pushes the boundaries of traditional high school by incorporating innovation and technology throughout the educational experience. The state-of-the-art facility is designed like no other high school in the area. Innovative technology has been integrated across the campus, and each student will be provided a school issued device to ensure equal access, and opportunity for students from all socio-economic backgrounds. Unlike traditional high schools, students and families will be interviewed as part of the admission process, and throughout the student’s journey. This will ensure each student’s schedule is individually designed to meet their needs and passions to provide unique opportunities for success.
Community partners will provide hands-on opportunities within the educational experience for students so that they can explore and discover their passions; this is also a key component of the model. These partnerships will help the school stand out from traditional high schools and engage the students in a whole new way.
SCIENCE & HEALTH
Tradition Prep High School will provide several academic and career-focused opportunities for students to explore science and medical pathways. This will help them succeed personally, academically, and professionally.
Accelerated course options will be available to provide opportunities for students to earn over 40 college credits. As well as, career certification and internship opportunities, in areas such as Biomedicine through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and partnerships.
Principal, Teresa Brown, has stressed that the school will tailor an education that focuses on stage not age and promote a project-based teaching approach that encourages collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Extra-Curricular
Many families that have attended an information session have heard Principal Teresa Brown speak on her high school experience. She reflects that participating in sports helped her develop life and leadership skills. She wants that same experience for her students. The school will offer a full array of athletics, clubs and building off the success of sister school, Renaissance Charter of St Lucie, a full
performing arts department. The school will be the first in St Lucie County to have its own Black Box Theatre.
Brown is very focused on student interest and motivating students to enjoy school, as well as have the traditional high school experience, which is a driving factor in the afterschool offerings. Brown has stated she wants the students to participate and explore the many extra-curricular activities. She is very adamant on student driven interests and letting them explore those interests during their high school years.
Tradition Prep High School is located in Tradition at 10970 SW Tradition Parkway, Port St Lucie, FL 34987. The mission of Tradition Preparatory High School is to provide an innovative learning experience for students throughout the Treasure Coast. The unique WISH teaching model focuses on building 21st century skills with a holistic approach to the whole child. With a purposeful balance of Wellness, Innovation, Science and Health graduates are prepared for a world of possibilities in college, careers, and life. In addition to core academic curriculum, students are supported with their mental and physical well-being.
Tradition Prep is a tuition-free, 9-12 public charter high school, now enrolling grades 9 and 10. The charter school does not have any zoning or neighborhood restrictions. All 9th and 10th grade students who live in the Treasure Coast area are encouraged to apply online at traditionprep.org.