Tempe Preparatory Academy (TPA) is a public charter school located in Tempe, Arizona. It is part of a network of classical education institutions that emphasize a liberal arts curriculum rooted in the Western tradition. As a school that serves students from grades 6 through 12, TPA is known for its rigorous academic programs, focus on character development, and a tight-knit community of students, parents, and teachers.
History and Mission
Tempe Preparatory Academy was founded in 1996, during a time when charter schools were gaining momentum in Arizona and across the United States. The school was created with a specific mission: to offer a college preparatory education that focuses on intellectual rigor and the cultivation of moral virtues. From its inception, TPA sought to provide an education modeled on the classical tradition, which dates back to the educational practices of Ancient Greece and Rome. The aim is not just to prepare students for college, but also to equip them with the critical thinking skills, ethical grounding, and leadership abilities necessary for a lifetime of personal and professional success.
The school’s mission statement underscores its commitment to developing students into lifelong learners and ethical citizens. It emphasizes the importance of fostering wisdom, virtue, and joy, with the belief that a well-rounded education provides a strong foundation for success in both life and career.
Classical Education Model
At the core of TPA’s philosophy is the classical education model. Classical education focuses on three stages of learning, known as the trivium, which are designed to develop critical thinking and effective communication skills.
- Grammar Stage (Grades 6-8): In this stage, students are introduced to the foundational knowledge of subjects. Emphasis is placed on memorization, mastering the fundamentals of various disciplines, and learning how to gather and organize information. During these years, students develop the “grammar” of language, mathematics, science, and history.
- Logic Stage (Grades 9-10): At this stage, students are encouraged to analyze, question, and connect the knowledge they’ve accumulated. The emphasis is on developing logical reasoning, with courses focusing on rhetoric, analytical reading, and writing. Students begin to explore deeper concepts in literature, philosophy, history, and science, learning how to develop and defend their own viewpoints.
- Rhetoric Stage (Grades 11-12): In the final stage of their education, students are trained to express their ideas clearly, persuasively, and creatively. They build upon the knowledge gained during the grammar and logic stages to articulate complex ideas and engage in sophisticated discussions. In this stage, TPA places significant importance on thesis writing, presentations, and in-depth research projects.
The school’s curriculum also includes courses in mathematics, natural sciences, foreign languages (with a strong emphasis on Latin and classical Greek), and the fine arts, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for a wide range of academic pursuits.
Curriculum and Academics
Tempe Preparatory Academy’s curriculum is rigorous and designed to challenge students both intellectually and personally. The school offers a core curriculum based on the classical liberal arts, including:
Literature and Philosophy: The curriculum is built around the Great Books tradition, with students reading classic works of literature, philosophy, and history. From Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to Shakespeare, from Plato to Aristotle, the goal is to expose students to works that have shaped Western thought and culture.
Mathematics and Sciences: Mathematics is taught sequentially, with students advancing through Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus. The sciences include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, with a strong emphasis on the scientific method and analytical thinking. Lab work and hands-on experiments are integral to science education at TPA.
History and Social Sciences: History courses at TPA focus on the broad sweep of Western civilization, from ancient to modern times. Students study not only the facts of history but also the philosophical and cultural implications of historical events. Economics, government, and civics are also important components of the curriculum.
Foreign Languages: Latin is a core requirement at Tempe Prep, with students studying it for several years. This grounding in Latin not only aids students in understanding the roots of Western languages but also helps develop logical and structured thinking. Additionally, students can study modern languages such as Spanish, continuing the classical tradition of multilingual education.
Fine Arts: The fine arts curriculum includes music, visual arts, and drama, encouraging students to explore their creativity and appreciate the aesthetic aspects of the human experience. These subjects are considered essential for the development of well-rounded individuals.
Beyond the classroom, TPA emphasizes independent research and projects, particularly in the upper grades. The senior thesis project is a cornerstone of the TPA experience, requiring students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choosing, write a substantial paper, and defend their thesis before a panel of faculty and peers.
Character Development and Extracurricular Activities
While academic rigor is central to the TPA experience, character development is also a key focus. The school believes that education should go hand-in-hand with the cultivation of virtue. Students are encouraged to practice values such as honesty, perseverance, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of their lives. This emphasis on character is integrated into both the academic curriculum and the school’s broader culture.
Tempe Preparatory Academy also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests outside of the classroom. The school has an active athletic program, including sports such as soccer, basketball, cross country, and volleyball. TPA’s small size means that many students have the chance to participate in multiple sports, fostering teamwork and school spirit.
In addition to athletics, TPA students can participate in clubs and organizations focused on various interests, including debate, drama, robotics, and community service. These extracurricular opportunities allow students to develop leadership skills, build friendships, and engage with the broader community.
College Preparation and Success
As a college preparatory school, Tempe Preparatory Academy places a strong emphasis on preparing students for higher education. The rigorous academic program, coupled with the school’s focus on critical thinking and effective communication, ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges of college.
Many TPA graduates go on to attend some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools, top liberal arts colleges, and major research universities. The school provides college counseling services to help students navigate the application process, choose schools that are the best fit for their interests and goals, and secure financial aid.
TPA’s success in college preparation is reflected in its high graduation and college acceptance rates. The school’s alumni often report that the intellectual rigor and discipline they developed at TPA helped them excel in college and beyond.
Community and Parent Involvement
One of the hallmarks of Tempe Preparatory Academy is its strong sense of community. With a relatively small student body, the school fosters close relationships between students, teachers, and families. The TPA community is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common commitment to education.
Parents play an active role in the life of the school, with many opportunities for involvement in activities ranging from volunteer work to participation in school events and governance. TPA believes that education is a collaborative effort between the school and the family, and it encourages parents to take an active role in their children’s academic and personal development.
The school hosts a variety of events throughout the year that bring the community together, including performances, academic competitions, and athletic events. These gatherings reinforce the sense of unity and shared purpose that defines the TPA experience.
Challenges and Opportunities
Like many charter schools, Tempe Preparatory Academy faces certain challenges, particularly in terms of funding and resources. As a public charter school, TPA operates with limited financial support from the state, and it relies heavily on fundraising efforts and donations from parents, alumni, and the community to support its programs and facilities. Despite these challenges, the school has continued to grow and maintain its reputation for academic excellence.
In recent years, TPA has also had to adapt to changes in education, including the increasing integration of technology into the classroom and the need to prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market. While the school remains committed to its classical education model, it is also mindful of the importance of equipping students with the skills they will need to succeed in the modern world, including technological literacy and the ability to adapt to new challenges.
Conclusion
Tempe Preparatory Academy stands out as a unique institution in the landscape of public education. Its commitment to classical education, academic rigor, and character development sets it apart from many other schools. By offering a curriculum rooted in the liberal arts and emphasizing the development of critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning, TPA provides students with a strong foundation for both personal and professional success.
As the school continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of educating students to become lifelong learners and virtuous citizens. Tempe Preparatory Academy’s blend of tradition and innovation ensures that its students are well-prepared for the challenges of the future, while also grounded in the timeless values of wisdom, virtue, and joy.