Whitney M. Young Academy
Whitney M. Young Academy has reinvented the way education is perceived and reinvigorate how it is delivered to the youth of Central Florida. Awaiting each child is safe and welcoming environment accompanied by a personalized learning approach which tailored to the needs and interests of each student.
What is the WMYA approach?
- Small class sizes, mixed age groups, a flexible schedule and most importantly a nurturing environment.
- Each class will be comprised of 8 to 10 students
- At WMYA, we utilize Learning Coaches who build meaningful relationships with students and help them master academic content, learn vital social skills, and tap into their creative powers.
What does a day at WMYA look like? 
Morning
Students participate in community circle and goal setting facilitated by the Learning Coach. This is an intentional time for students to engage with each other. Following the morning activity, students will have the opportunity to individually custom their goals for the day based on their individualized curriculum.
Mid-Morning Break
Students will have free recreational time outdoors
Late Morning
Students will begin leveraging technology to learn their core subjects, such as language arts and mathematics, studying a curriculum customized to them. While working at their own pace, students will grasp these core competencies with the support of their Learning Coach.
Lunch Break
Students will eat their pre-packed lunches and will have free recreational time
Early Afternoon
Students will enter into student-led collaboration, together they will engage in various project-based activities, focusing on a variety of subjects.
Mid-Afternoon Break
Students will have free recreational time outdoors
Afternoon
Students will wrap up the day with creative time, which is completely dedicated to allowing them to use their natural abilities and talents to create whatever they like. At the end of the day, the whole class will join to celebrate the day’s successes and discuss any of the day’s struggles.
Registration
Steps to take:
- Save blank registration packet to your computer
- Open saved document
- Fill in blanks
- Save completed registration packet to print or email later
- Parents will save, scan, and/or take pictures of the required documents and upload to send to WMYA.
- Completed registration packet
- Vaccination record on FL680 form and proof of physical within last year by a U.S. doctor within a year of enrollment (first day of entry at school)
- School Entry Health Form
- Academic history (transcript and/or last report card)
- Special education info (IEP, 504, etc.)
- Government picture ID for registering parent (Driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Birth certificate
- Verification of guardianship (if needed) (See below if needed from Student Enrollment)
- Verification of residence: Either Proof of homeownership or Current lease
For tuition information, click here.
To view all WMYA policies and procedures, click here. To report any incident of child abuse, click here.
For the academic calendar, please click here.
Questions? Please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Great question! Whitney M. Young Academy is not one school, but a series of micro-schools.
The neat aspect of WMYA is that education happens anywhere, and by anywhere, we mean it! WMYA has partnered with churches, community centers and other agencies in your neighborhood to host our school, your school, in their spaces.
To ensure that our schools are always close to home (one mile or closer), we do not open up a new micro-school unless we have sufficient students from the community enrolled.
If there is not enough demand in your area, we will also coordinate transportation to ensure your child can attend the nearest location.
Regardless of the location, each micro-school meets all safety and health requirements outlined by the Florida Department of Education.
School hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For parents in need of before or after school care, we are working with community partners to ensure this can be provided. Please let us know on your application if you will need this service.
Yes! WMYA is working diligently to get certified by the State of Florida to serve free and reduced breakfast and lunch for our students. We expect this certification to be approved by fall 2021.
At WMYA, we are moving beyond the traditional model where a teacher is only present to lecture to his or her students. Our Learning Coaches are present to facilitate learning, but more importantly, empower and encourage our students to engage in the subjects that interest them, all while meeting the Department of Education standards.
All Learning Coaches are certified through our curriculum as well as are hired with the strictest of standards, passing all background and drug checks.
While the Learning Coach is responsible for the classroom on a day-to-day basis, we do have certified teachers on staff who monitor all our students' academic progress. They provide expertise and any intervention, if needed.
Due to the intimate nature of WMYA, each student file is reviewed before acceptance. Please send your students IEP to [email protected] with “IEP” in the subject line for our staff to review.
We are currently accepting students with certain IEPs and in the coming months, we intend to accept all students with IEPs. However, we must review each IEP to ensure WMYA can fully support your child.
WMYA’s Six Core Competencies
Critical Thinking:
Students learn to independently problem solve until they find the best solution.
Project-Based Learning:
We encourage collaboration to help students crystallize their strengths and force them to articulate and refine their competencies in a team environment.
Confidence:
At WMYA, your child’s self-confidence will be built naturally, he or she will learn their strengths and weaknesses through unique educational opportunities.
Enrichment Opportunities:
WMYA allows your child to gain new perspectives, meet experts and understand their role in a constantly evolving world. Yet, at WMYA, we do not forget our past. Embedded in our curriculum is a focus on the unique heritage and culture inherent to the African American and Hispanic communities.
Character Development:
WMYA will foster the development of ethical and responsible individuals by teaching them values and respect. This also aids in their academic progress, as diligence and responsibility are core elements of character development.
Technology:
Technology is a cornerstone of WMYA and is used for inquiry, research and innovation.