Thames Academy: Benefits

Benefits of Thames Academy

• improved study skills and board scores
• strengthened academic preparedness
• increased confidence
• greater maturity and personal growth
• adjustment to living and studying away from home
• extra time to transition to a college environment
• stepping stone to a more competitive college or university
• the ability to earn up to 18 college credits prior to full-time college study
• a greater chance of being academically successful in college

Why Thames Academy?

Why should students consider enrolling in a transitional year such as Thames Academy? There are many reasons why students might choose to enroll in Thames Academy.

• Not all high school graduates are adequately prepared to begin college studies. In addition to a lack of general knowledge of subject matter, some students need assistance with basic study skills.
• Students from a large high school may not have had a personalized education and are seeking individualized support to strengthen their academic abilities.
• Studies show that more than half of all students who start college do not graduate. The average time it takes for a student to achieve his/her bachelor’s degree is six years, with only 37% of students completing a degree in four years.
• Students who wish to enter a particular competitive college (or a demanding degree program within a college) may use a PG year to strengthen his/her board scores (SAT) and/or study skills before attempting to seek admission.
• Chronologically or emotionally some student may not yet possess the maturity to handle a college or university environment.
• A significant personal event during the high school years, such as an illness, accident, divorce, etc., may require some student to ease or slowly transition into a college environment.
• Historically, junior colleges assisted students in incrementally advancing in their academic studies. Today, very few junior colleges exist. Many community colleges have tried to take on this role. However, as they are large, public and non-residential, they are not considered to be a viable option for some students.
• Student-athletes may often possess the athletic prowess but not the academic skills in which to gain admission to a school offering a competitive (Div I or II) sports program.
• Students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD may wish identify their learning style, strengthen their study strategies, and improve their confidence level prior to pursuing their college studies.

What can Thames Academy do for you?

What outcomes can students expect from enrolling in the Thames Academy at Mitchell College?

• Improved academic skills in the areas of English, math and the humanities
• Development of effective personalized study strategies for academic success
• Strengthened computer, communication, presentation, leadership and team building skills
• Completion of a self-designed individual project and a group community project
• Expert college counseling and SAT preparation
• Opportunities for involvement in college-level recreation, co-curricular and intramural activities
• Greater maturity, self-confidence and self-discipline
• Attainment of up to a maximum of 18 transferable college credits
• Development of an e-portfolio, curricular and co-curricular transcripts
• Participation in a residential collegiate environment
• Development of transition skills in acclimating from high school to college