LISA North High School
LISA Academy North High School serves students in grades 9-12 in North Little Rock. LISA Academy North High School is sponsored by Little Scholars of Arkansas (LISA) Foundation. As a FY2019 APSRC CSP Subgrantee, LISA Academy North High School was awarded $1,250,000 in May 2019.
The mission of LISA Academy is to provide an academically rigorous college preparatory program, in partnership with students, families, and the community, and guide all students in gaining knowledge, skills, and the attitude necessary to direct their lives, improve a diverse society, and excel in a changing world by providing dynamic, resource-rich learning environments.
STEM
LISA Academy North High School has implemented several impactful STEM programs that are student-focused, including a Solar Car the team built, successfully placing 5th in a National competition. Students have also utilized the engineering lab for robotics programs and have successfully competed in several robotics team events. 44% of HS students are enrolled in AP and/or concurrent credit courses for the fall semester of 2020. 98.6% of students have enrolled in STEM-related courses.
Computer and Coding Classes and Robotics: There is a comprehensive set of courses available for all students 7-12. Courses are offered at all grade levels for the school year, with 29.72% of high school students taking Advanced Coding classes in 2019 and 28.96% in 2020. 100% of graduates in the class of 2020 took at least one coding class.
LISA Academy's Annual STEM Festival
LISA Academy's leadership in preparation for STEM careers is evidenced by their student involvement of 282 out of 286, 98.6%, of high school students are enrolled in STEM courses. Students were enrolled in STEM courses at all grade levels and will be scheduled again for the fall of 2020. Each year LISA hosts a STEM Festival, which is visited by multiple districts.
CULTURE FESTIVAL
Culturally Diverse Programs: Students at the high school level have engaged in diverse cultural programs, including 100% of students in grades 6th - 8th enrolled in introductory foreign language courses, which supports 43.35% of students in grades 9-12 enrolled in foreign language courses. In addition to enrollment in foreign language courses, students competed in the LISA Academy Annual Language Festival, presenting projects and performing in dance, song, and poetry of world cultures.
MORE BEST PRACTICES
Family Engagement: During the first full year of operation, the school offered multiple programs on campus to engage families and the community, including a Grand Opening, which involved State and community level government officials and students, parents, and school staff. Other on-campus events that furthered family engagement included a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Night, Title I meeting, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Quarterly Academic Award Ceremonies, Science Fair Award Ceremony, Monthly Graduation Committee Meetings, BBQ, and Open House. The unique tradition of providing Home Visits to families continued with 56 Home Visits already conducted with students and families this fall.
College Prep School: Schoolinks software has been implemented to help track and support high school students with their college preparation and applications. It allows students to track their Volunteer Hours, transcripts, completed courses, and Graduation Requirements. The school also added one additional counselor to the guidance staff to provide broader support for students. The graduation rate for 2020 was 96.66%.