Learning during COVID-19: St. Augustine Preparatory Academy
Students move forward with high rates of family engagement and virtual student attendance
By: Isral DeBruin
As schools shift to serve students remotely during the COVID-19 crisis, some are emerging as standouts. These schools aren’t stopping at basic worksheet packets and instead are offering their students coordinated, school-wide, comprehensive distance learning. City Forward Collective is highlighting these schools to spread best practices and encourage others to keep students moving forward.
When Augustine Preparatory Academy announced it would transition to virtual learning on March 19, the parents of nearly 900 of the school’s students came by to pick up paper classwork and learning technology, including Chromebooks and any needed internet hotspots. 250 high schoolers also picked up musical instruments to continue their practice.
The result: Every single school child is equipped to learn at home. And on just the second day of distance learning, Aug Prep notched a 90% virtual student attendance rate, and high rates of engagement and attendance have continued.
The unique circumstances have permitted some teachers to get creative: One is leading a comic book creation activity where students can build one page per day while the teacher does the same. The elementary music teacher prepared DIY kits for students to build their own box guitar or rain stick, complete with photo-based instructions. The gym teacher is posting video fitness exercises to keep kids moving. Social workers are also posting videos and other resources to encourage students in practicing mindfulness, gratitude, and healthy living.
Aug Prep also offers drive-thru-style meal pickup each morning for their students, as well as any other school-aged Milwaukee child.
The holistic approach launched promptly by the educators at Aug Prep is keeping students engaged and on track, even amidst the disruption of COVID-19.
FACTS & FIGURES
St. Augustine Preparatory Academy is a multi-denominational private school accepting tuition vouchers through the Milwaukee Parental Choice, Wisconsin Parental Choice, and Special Needs Scholarship programs.
- Grades: K4–11 (adding grade 12 for the 2020–21 school year)
- Enrollment: 1,222 students
- Student demographics: 91.3% Latin@; 4.3% Black; 3.4% White; 1% Two or More Races
- Students from economically disadvantaged households: 84.7%
- Students with special needs: 8.9%
- Students with limited English proficiency: 8%
- State rating: Exceeds Expectations
2019–20 data provided by St. Augustine Preparatory Academy
Isral DeBruin is director of strategy and communication at City Forward Collective. He is a former elementary school teacher and award-winning education reporter.
