FAQ
Q: Why name the school The Carver Academy?
A: The Carver Academy (TCA) was named in honor of African-American botanist, spiritual leader and educator George Washington Carver (1864-1943). School founder David Robinson felt this outstanding man of character was the perfect role model for our students.
Q: What is the mission?
A: TCA offers elementary-age children a challenging academic program featuring small classes, leadership opportunities, and a nurturing family-like environment based upon the foundation of Judeo-Christian scripture. Graduates of TCA will be prepared for success in the nation's most competitive high schools and will display the highest levels of leadership, discipline, initiative, and integrity. TCA welcomes children regardless of race, creed, or financial status.
Q: What is The Carver Academy's history?
A: TCA is the vision of NBA great David Robinson and his wife, Valerie, who believe that all children have the potential to create a better future for themselves through education. Through service and faith, the school hopes to shape our future leaders by instilling the principles of leadership, discipline, initiative and integrity. Created with an initial gift of $9 million by the David Robinson Foundation, TCA opened in September 2001 and was designed to serve elementary-age children in a nurturing family-like environment.
Q: Who does The Carver Academy Serve?
A: TCA was created to provide a quality education for all children. Located just east of downtown San Antonio the school welcomes students regardless of gender, race, creed, or financial status. Currently, 98 percent of the enrollment is on full or partial scholarship. The ethnic diversity includes 60 percent African-American, 35 percent Hispanic, and 5 percent Anglo/other.
TCA serves over 100 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade this academic year. In 2005-2006 we will add sixth grade. When fully operational, TCA hopes to serve 300 students, and anticipates approximately 60 percent of the students will be admitted on scholarship.
Q: What's unique about The Carver Academy?
A: Through service and faith, TCA's goal is to inspire our children to be good citizens exemplifying the principles of leadership, discipline, initiative, and integrity. TCA provides the following:
Academics - The program's core curriculum focuses on excellence in reading and language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, technology, fine arts, athletics, and three foreign languages including German, Japanese and Spanish for all students. Children benefit from a broad educational experience through leadership camps, recitals, children's ministry opportunities, museum visits and much more. TCA teaches children to think, to embrace lifelong learning, and to participate in an in-depth study of complex subjects with specialized instruction. Our certified teaching staff creates a friendly atmosphere in which each child is encouraged to excel.
High-Tech Environment - The technology curriculum is designed to promote computer literacy. Multimedia programming, graphics, spreadsheets, word processing, desktop publishing, telecommunications and database skills are integrated into student activities. This curriculum is comprised of theme-based projects that relate to classroom topics.
Faith-Based - Each day at TCA begins with chapel. Judeo-Christian scripture and values are taught through storytelling, role-playing and music. All faiths are welcome.
Collaborations - TCA has unique partnerships that add to our curriculum including the Carver Community Cultural Center, the Japan America Society, the Jewish Community Center and the Institute of Texan Cultures.
Q: Student/Teacher Ratio?
A: 15-to-1
Q: Tuition?
A: Full tuition is $10,000. However, TCA offers a family-friendly scholarship plan at a graduated price.
Q: Admissions Process?
A: The selection of a school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent will make. Families interested in enrollment may attend one of several scheduled Admissions' Open Houses, or call to request an application. Students must have a B average or better and a recommendation from their previous school. Once the application is completed and returned to TCA, interviews are scheduled. The applicant student is evaluated as he/she spends a morning or afternoon in the classroom, and families are interviewed by the Associate Head of School. Parental involvement is crucial as TCA families and staff work together to provide the best possible educational experience for our children.
