Sunday, Apr 12, 2009
Gulf News
Dubai: An American based college preparatory school will open its first branch campus at Dubai Sports City this September.
Bradenton Preparatory Academy's former graduates include famous sports figures such as Andre Agassi, Monica Seles, Mark Knowles, Landon Donovan, DeMarcus Beasley, and Tommy Haas.
"Dubai Sports City is the perfect location for the first Bradenton Preparatory Academy outside the US," said the academy's founder, Dr Lois Gerber.
Former UAE-based students of the Bradenton Preparatory Academy in Florida include UAE golfer Rhea Nair who is already finishing in the top ten places of tournaments. The idea of building the school was proposed by a parent who is a Dubai resident.
"We make sure we nurture the individual talents of our students regardless of what they may be," said Dr Gerber, who has been an educationalist for more than 50 years.
The Bradenton Preparatory Academy at Dubai Sports City allows students time to train and compete in their chosen sports while simultaneously receiving an American College preparatory education.
Bradenton also provides an advanced online portal for parents to be in contact with teachers to monitor students' homework, test results and tutorials.
The academy's American College Preparatory curriculum covers a wide range of subject areas including English, mathematics, social studies, performing art and music. Arabic language, Islamic studies (for Muslim students and optional for non-Muslims) and cultural studies will also be offered to all students.
"Dubai Sports City and Bradenton Preparatory Academy share the same philosophy of providing the right scholastic and physical education environment for the all-round development of students," said Khalid Al Zarouni, President, Dubai Sports City.
The Bradenton Preparatory Academy will be located next to the Dubai Sports City Academies Campus. Initial registrations are now being taken for the new school year starting in September for boys and girls from kindergarten through to grade 9 for the first phase of the project with school fees ranging from Dh29,000 to Dh70,000. The academy will house up to 900 students, with 200 expected to register in the first year.
"Bradenton Preparatory Academy operates with a maximum of 18 students per teacher, thereby ensuring that students receive individualised attention which educators find critical to scholastic advancement. The individualised attention allows the faculty to nurture the student to aspire to be the best they can be," said Dr Gerber
According to her 99 per cent of Bradenton Preparatory Academy students attain university placement, while the other one per cent usually embarked on a career in professional sport.
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
