In Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy’s inaugural graduating class there have been innumerable “firsts,” constant growth, and undoubtedly a lot of learning. To further impact and enhance the place “where learning means more doing”, the school was granted the coveted AP Capstone program for the 2015-2016 school year. The school prides itself on a rigorous curriculum that ensconces students in science with a content area science class, a lab class, and a research class.
The research class is a staple in every schedule from grades 6 through 12, which makes the AP Capstone program a perfect fit for the school. A capstone project would prove to be a genuine culminating experience as students would have a total of 7 years of research practice, which is unique to Jose Marti MAST.
The learning experience is heightened by the school’s heavy involvement with the community, colleges, and universities in their area. These community and collegial relationships have spawned numerous research opportunities as well as authentic presentations.
Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy has created a native arboretum, solar panels from FPL, an aquaponics system with tilapia and vegetables from the Miami Science Museum and most recently, the Million Orchid project in conjunction with Fairchild Tropical Gardens. These collaborations are the real-world applications to the research background and techniques students are learning in class.
When Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy opened its doors in the fall of 2011, many were skeptical. However as the school has grown, so has its accolades. In 2013-2014, the school achieved a 95 percent passing rate and above on both the Algebra 1 and Biology End-of-course Exam (EOC). In the Geometry EOC, students achieved a 97 percent passing rate.
AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature boasted a 100 percent pass rate with all students scoring a 4 or 5. The school was named an “A” school for the third year in a row. In 2013-2014, 17 students achieved a perfect score on the FCAT. Finally, and most notably, the school was bestowed the honor of a Magnet School of Merit 2 years in a row from the Magnet Schools of America.
The addition of the Ap Capstone program is just another step toward advanced learning.
For more information on Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy, visit www.mast3.com