University of Texas Professor to Start New University-Model School® in North Austin

Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, research assistant professor in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin is leading an effort to bring a University-Model School (www.trinityprepacademy.com) to North Austin.

Austin, Texas (I-Newswire) January 16, 2013 - Dr. Swanson says, “It is time for a school model that provides both a rigorous private school curriculum and at the same time honors parents’ essential role in their children’s education.”

During Dr. Swanson’s 20-year career, she has taught elementary school students, coached teachers in effective reading instruction, designed and implemented reading curriculum, and trained pre-service teachers. She also speaks at national conferences and has written more than 20 articles and a book focused on improving reading instruction.

“Parents are looking for a school that allows them increased involvement in their child’s education and provides time to teach values important to the family,” says Swanson. “Trinity Preparatory Academy (www.trinityprepacademy.com) makes this possible because of it’s adherence to the University Model®.”

According to the National Association of University Model Schools, "A University-Model School® is a blend of the most positive aspects from traditional public and private schools as well as home schools, to give elementary through high school a highly successful, college-preparatory education, set in a Christian environment. The key is professional classroom instruction partnered with caring parenting at home."

At Trinity Preparatory Academy, students are engaged in a 5-day per week, rigorous classical curriculum. In the Grammar School (K-5), students attend the Trinity Preparatory Academy campus two days per week to learn from professional teachers. The remaining three days of curriculum are delivered in the satellite classroom at home with a parent teacher. All curriculum is provided by the school.

A University Model School parent recently said, “I love this idea because I will be involved in everything they learn, but I won't have to come up with the curriculum. And it will give me more time with my children, of course.”

Trinity Preparatory Academy will open in Fall 2013 to serve students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Long-term plans include adding a School of Logic (grades 6-8) and School of Rhetoric (grades 9-12). Parent information meetings are held monthly. Visit www.trinityprepacademy.com for meeting information.