The Haitian Academy

**School History**

The Haitian Academy was founded in December 1979, in New York City, in the United States. For the past 30 years the Haitian Academy has educated children from pre-kindergarten through the twelfth grade. In the United States, the Haitian Academy was certified by the University of the State of New York, Department of Education in October of 1988; certificate of registration number 9-516. Throughout its existence, the Haitian Academy has provided education in English, French, Creole and Spanish for children of varied ethnic origins - Caribbean , African, Jewish, Afro-American, Asian, European, and Hispanic. Growing In 1985, after seven years of hard work, we purchased a six-story building in New York City. It was renovated to accommodate 16 classrooms, an institutional kitchen, a cafeteria, an indoor gym and a two thousand square foot library. In 1986, it was decided by the Board of Trustees to open a branch in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In 1988, thanks to family members of the Board; a beautiful site was made available for the construction of The Haitian Academy Campus. In June 1991, the Board of Trustees voted to transfer the New York branch of the school to Haiti in order to focus on one operation. The Haitian Academy campus is located 25 kilometers north of Port-au-Prince on Route Nationale #1. It sits on 650 acres of land at the foot of a hill facing the ocean. Trees have been planted and many more will eventually cover the open spaces. Our site is fully electrified and running water is provided throughout the entire campus. In September 1991, a boarding facility was build to accommodate students from abroad and from Haiti. The boarding complex was build to house 50 interns. The Haitian Academy's day students commute from Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas. Expanding The board of founders considering the lack of educational institutions available to the population, voted to add a French section to the existing English section at the Haitian Academy. In the french section, the curriculum of the Ministry of Education prevails, allowing the students to take all the official examination of the State: CEP, Certificat d’Etude Primaire (primary Exams) at 6Th grade, Intermediary Exams at 9th grade, Baccalaureate 1st Part (Rhetorique), and Baccalaureate 2nd Part (Philosophy). For the past 3 years, we have sent our students to the Official exams of the Ministry of Education for 6th grade and 9th grade, and our success rate has been 100% for all exams, on both levels. In two (2)years, we will send the first class to the 1st Baccalaureate exams. Faculty members among the best qualified Our teachers hold Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees, Professional Diplomas, and Doctorates from universities in Europe, the United States, Canada , South America, and Haiti . Most of the teachers are multi-lingual and each is a specialist in his or her own field. A practical approach to teaching Experimentation is a very important learning tool at the Haitian Academy. In the teaching of language classes, the students use the language laboratory, as well as the library. In natural science, physics, and chemistry, they use the science laboratory. Farm animals are also available on campus for hands-on study. In botany, students grow plants and study outdoors in the experimental garden of The School of Agronomy of the University of the Haitian Academy. Accomplishments We are proud of our twenty four classes of graduates who are attending Universities in the United States , Canada and Haiti. Among those who have completed their Undergraduate studies, several have attended Medical Schools, Law School, Nursing Schools, International Studies and Masters programs in Engineering, and other fields such as Education, and others. In September 1980, an adult continuing education program was initiated in Brooklyn. Many of our GED and ESL graduates have completed college, while others are employed in health and business careers. In November 1992, the adult program was reopened in Haiti where we teach English and Spanish to Haitian adults. A technical school has become part of this continuing education program, offering computer education at different levels. The Unversity of the Haitian Academy (U.H.A.) In September 1993, The Haitian Academy planed to expand its educational program, and open the door of The University of the Haitian Academy (U.H.A.). The University of the Haitian Academy shares the campus with the two sections of the classical school. This is a logical step towards meeting our students' needs as we prepare them to enter institutions of higher learning. The Haitian Academy developed the curriculum of the university following the guidelines of the Department of Education of The State University of New York, with both undergraduate and graduate divisions. The university is composed of a School of Agronomy and a School of Medicine, who are also accredited by the Department of Education and Health in Haiti. Students are accepted for undergraduate studies after graduating from secondary schools in Haiti and abroad. The ACT and SAT tests are required for students with a High School Diploma, while those who have passed the Haitian Baccalaureate exams or the international Baccalaureate examinations are also accepted. Our language laboratory is available to all students and special courses have been designed to help them become fluent, in both languages: English and French. Holistic approach to the development of the mind and body At the Haitian Academy, we believe in a balanced mind-body development. Physical education plays an important role in the student's life. We have a soccer field, a basketball court, and a volley ball court, all of which meet the international standards. Space is available for an Olympic size swimming pool when funds permit. We are preparing our students for inter-school competition on the national level, and eventually for the international level as well. Endless opportunity for growth It is the goal of the Haitian Academy to provide each of our students with a sound and rich education. We are also working to foster positive relations among children and young people of different backgrounds. Modern communication and transportation have drastically reduced physical distance in the world. We are educating our students to be open to modern technology. The use of the computer lab and Internet is integrated in the daily instruction of the students. Our students are also taught to understand and accept other cultures. We teach them to appreciate and enjoy elements of our environment that will improve the life of mankind. It is our goal that they learn the art of transmitting positive vibrations to one another during their lives. The vocation of educating others, comes to those who believe in the intelligence of others and their potential for growth. It comes to those who never get discouraged and who perceive the future as an eternal sunrise. The Haitian Academy believes “The foundation of every nation is the education of its youth.”