ANDERSON PREPARATORY STUDENTS VISIT COLLEGES
Students at Charlotte Anderson Preparatory Academy ( CAPA ) are getting a head start on college
campus visits . This year , students in grades 1-4 were able to visit Baylor University , Texas Christian University , Dallas Baptist University , or the University of Texas at Arlington . CAPA is an AVID campus , which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination . This program helps schools focus on college and career readiness .
Above : Second-graders pose for a photo at the University of Texas at Arlington . Below , from left : Fourth-graders pose for a photo outside Pat Neff Hall at Baylor University , then again outside Baylor ’ s McClane Stadium . Third-graders pet the TCU “ lucky frog ”. First-graders pose for a photo with a replica of the Liberty Bell at DBU .
“ The college campus tours serve the purpose of bringing life experience and applying all that students have learned through AVID . Research shows learning is optimized when students personally and actively experience a real-world situation ,” said CAPA Principal Maryann Morales .
Prior to visiting the universities , students researched the schools to learn about historic sites and programs of study . Through AVID , the campus focuses on writing , inquiry , collaboration , organization , and reading . These elements are routinely incorporated into lessons , including during college research .
“ As we intentionally structure our lessons around these crucial skills for learning , we have no doubt that our students are not only
“ It ’ s never too early to get students excited about the possibilities of life .”
APRIL BECKER CAPA AVID Coordinator
exposed to college experiences but also purposely directed to think intentionally with a college mindset in their learning ,” said Morales .
First-graders took a trip to Dallas Baptist University , and the smaller campus was perfect for little learners . Students visited the library , the iconic Patty & Bo Pilgrim Chapel , and lecture halls .
Second-graders visited the University of Texas at Arlington , where they were treated to a full tour of the campus ’ technology-themed library . The space included a drone repair area , woodworking section , 3D printer , and more . The librarian even set up stations for students to get hands-on experience with snap circuits , 3D pens and button-makers .
Third-graders were excited to see their research come to life at TCU . Students touched the famous “ lucky frog ”, identified Robert Carr Chapel , and walked through the football stadium , recreation center , and basketball arena .
Fourth-graders visited Baylor University on March 30 , where the group met Hal Presley , wide receiver for the Baylor Bears . Presley is also a CAPA alumnus .
“ Our students are getting to see that one of the players at Baylor went to their elementary school ,” said campus AVID Coordinator April Becker . “ It puts into perspective that if they work hard , they can be in the same position as Hal one day .”
This trip was so special it was featured on KWTX Channel 10 , a local Waco news station .
“ We want them to see the value and importance of college ,” said Becker . “ It ’ s never too early to get students excited about the possibilities of life .”
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