All of our teachers are parent volunteers and come with a variety of educational and professional experiences. Many of our teachers do have a teaching degree but others do not. They have a bachelor's degree or higher, three or more years of K-12th grade teaching experience or special skills, knowledge or expertise that qualifies them. In all cases, we seek to get to know a parent’s interest and skills before inviting them to teach. Additionally, when one becomes a teacher, they are given a professionally developed curriculum and are trained in how to implement it in their classroom. Our teachers approach their teaching roles the same as paid teachers would, engaging in research and outside development on their own accord, lesson planning, maintaining grade reports, conducting parent-teacher conferences, etc. They do all of this in the professional manner that you would expect from a traditional teaching staff. The Head of School provides classroom management training and support the teachers in their role. The state of Florida recognizes us as a private school.

No. There are many roles, besides teacher, that make up our school staff and we seek to align the skills each parent brings with the needs of the school. All staff take turns serving as emergency substitute when a teacher is sick or has sick children. This can mean any staff person may need to do some instruction on occasion. We desire that every family at our school be willing to serve in any role out of a servant’s heart and support of our parent-led model.

Trace Academy is a parent-involved school, which allows each family to contribute to their child’s education by serving in a staff role 2 days a week. The decision-making leadership of Trace Academy has 4 components. The Board of Directors, consisting of Trace parents, provides oversight in the direction and philosophy of all aspects of the school. The Management Team, also consisting of Trace parents, serves in the day to day operations of the school. The Head of School (HoS) and Dean of Students (DoS) are the only hired positions and are on campus each weekday. The HoS leads the Management Team and the DoS oversees student behavior and academics. All other positions at the school: teachers, office staff, assistants, etc, are filled by parents.

Yes, we administer the Stanford 10 Achievement Test. This test is one of the ways the school evaluates our achievement of the goal of teaching with academic excellence. Parents will receive a copy of their child’s individual results. Other ways we seek academic excellence include: small class sizes, positive student-teacher relationships, classroom management, teacher professional development, and professionally developed curriculum.

Yes, every Friday, our student body gathers in the auditorium for an assembly. These assemblies provide students an opportunity to culminate student learning in the classroom, practice public speaking, worship, recognize student birthdays and be encouraged in the year’s school theme. In addition, some Fridays the students will participate in “Buddy Time.” This activity encourages students to build relationships across the grade levels. Students are matched up with a buddy of the same gender, but of a different age, to engage in activities such as playing board games or outdoor games, doing an art project, or discussing questions.

Yes. Each classroom contains a copy of the Emergency Procedures Manual which includes emergency procedure protocols for severe weather, lock down, intruder, and fire evacuation. Periodic practice evacuations of the school building are conducted. Additionally, our doors are kept locked at all times during school hours. The building is also equipped with security cameras and monitors.

No. Due to our shortened school day, we are limited in our ability to offer special classes like music, art and PE. While our integral curriculum regularly provides art and music opportunities, we do not offer classes in these subjects. Parents are encouraged to provide these opportunities for their children outside of school hours. That being said, our 4th-8th graders participate in a weekly team building activity which encourages collaboration and problem solving. In addition, our 7th-8th graders have a weekly music lesson which introduces them to playing the ukulele and gives them opportunities to help lead worship at our annual camping trip.

No. We do not have a computer lab nor do we have computers in the classroom. We desire to give technology its proper place for the student: in the home and under the direction and supervision of parents. In addition, we desire to create an environment of enriched literacy and students thrive in a world stocked with raw materials. We also desire that young learners engage with God’s created world as much as possible, rather than mediated and artificially rendered via technology. In 1st-8th grades we offer opportunities to learn typing at home and for the middle-school aged student, through homework, we begin to introduce them to educational platforms in preparation for high school (Power Point, Google Classroom).

Due to the nature of our parent-led school, Trace is limited in having the resources needed to help students with behavioral and/or learning disabilities. We do our best to assess student needs on a case by case basis and cater to different learning styles. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) we do not offer all of the special education and related services that a student would receive if enrolled in a public school (Florida Statutes 1002.421(1)(j).

Trace Academy staff follow the Florida Code of Ethics for the Education Profession and are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment. Our employees prioritize the well-being and development of every student, act with honesty and professionalism, and treat all students and families with dignity and fairness.

All staff are trained in these standards and are required to report any misconduct or concerns that could affect a student’s health, safety, or welfare. Read more