Academics
Middle school is a challenging time for students. Schoolwork becomes more rigorous. Social pressures and distractions become greater issues. Classes at Frederick Law Olmsted Academy North (FLOAN) are single-gender/all-boys. Research shows that single-gender classes can improve student learning and behavior, especially when parents are involved and supportive.
“Students are assigned to grade-level teams with teachers having a common planning time. Students take classes in math, language arts, science, social studies, and related arts. Related arts classes include physical education (PE), health, Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), band, orchestra, chorus, drama, engineering, Spanish, computer lab, arts and humanities, practical living/career skills, and career studies/consumerism.
Students receive frequent reports about their achievement. These reports are in the form of a report card at the end of each six weeks. Weekly reports for all students are sent home. If students need extra support for basic skills, FLOAN provides Extended School Services (ESS) and in-class interventions as well as outside school services coordinated by the Youth Services Center (YSC)/Reach office.
If students have all A’s and B’s on their report card, their names are listed on the Honor Roll. Special activities are planned throughout the year for Honor Roll students on teams each grading period and schoolwide two times a year. Each week, teams nominates a Student of the Week who has shown improvement in attendance, behavior, and academics for that week.
To read about JCPS progression, promotion, and grading as well as other academic information.
Engineering
Olmsted Academy North students have the opportunity to take engineering as a related arts class. This course is for students interested in math and science. Students take the skills they are learning in these classes and apply them to solve real-world problems in a group setting. The class is open to any sixth-grade student who is interested. Seventh- and eighth-grade students must apply for the course and are chosen based on teacher recommendations and academic standing in the sixth-grade class. Seventh-grade students work on a variety of projects; the focus this year is on energy, the environment, and applied chemical engineering. In the eighth grade, students learn drafting skills as well as work on aircraft design and robotics. Our engineering students get the opportunity to compete in district competitions as well as work with faculty from the University of Louisville.
Read about our participation in the E-Expo hosted by UofL's J.B. Speed School of Engineering.
Orchestra
The Olmsted Academy North Orchestra has been Kentucky's only all-boy middle school orchestra since 2008. We have earned scores of Distinguished and Proficient at Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) district assessments.
In the selected repertoire, students have played music of the masters: Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and Haydn. Other works have included more contemporary pieces with Asian, Latin-American, and Native-American flavors.
The Olmsted Academy North Orchestra prides itself on attention to detail, and orchestra members leave the school with solid foundations in both technique and music theory.
Olmsted concerts have received rave reviews from parents, faculty, and administrators. The orchestra's motto, ludere cum potestate, translates to "play with authority."
Band
The band program at Olmsted Academy North serves those students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade who are interested in learning how to play an instrument and play with a group of musicians. Students begin instruction in sixth grade Beginning Band and progress each year. Students have the opportunity to audition for the All-County Band each year and to participate in the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) events, such as the district Solo and Ensemble Festival and Large Ensemble Festival. In addition, students may also participate in ensembles after school, such as the Advanced Band. Performance opportunities in the Olmsted bands include seasonal concerts during the fall, winter, and spring.
Chorus
Olmsted Academy North has created a new and exciting opportunity for young men. The chorus program was established during the 2012-13 school year and is available to students of all grade levels. Students are given the opportunity to enroll in year-round chorus classes or to explore singing through a semester course. Student musicians are able to participate in the unique experience of an all-boys chorus, as Olmsted has the only all-boys chorus in JCPS, while learning valuable lessons in music and life skills. Chorus students regularly work on skills also acquired through sports, such as team building and performance analysis. Students in the chorus program discover elements of music theory, literacy, and expression and leave our school prepared for participation in high school chorus. The Olmsted Chorus performs annual concerts of a variety of music to share their talents with families and friendsClubs and Activities.
Future Problem Solvers
Future Problem Solvers is an academic quiz bowl competition comparable found in several states of the United State of America. Quick Recall, featuring two halves of tossup and bonus questions, is used primarily for traditional academic competition in Kentucky.
Kentucky Youth Assembly
The Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) is a three-day experiential learning conference in which students serve as part of a model state government. KYA offers students the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues, develop critical thinking skills, and articulate their beliefs while engaging constructively with those who hold like and opposing views.
Kentucky United Nations Assembly
The Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA) is a three-day experiential learning conference in which students participate directly in simulated international diplomacy. KUNA offers students the opportunity to experience the richness of cultures from around the world, develop empathy, and hone their critical thinking skills while engaging with a wide variety of perspectives and global issues.
Quick Recall
Quick Recall is an academic quiz bowl competition comparable found in several states of the United State of America.
Quick Recall, featuring two halves of tossup and bonus questions, is used primarily for traditional academic competition in Kentucky.