Ed Smith spoke with James Smith, the President of Nativity Preparatory Academy and Dipendra Harati, an alum of the Nativity Preparatory Academy.
-James explained the mission of the school and layed out how they are different from a traditional public school.
-James talked about their holistic approach that includes academics, social-emotional learning and enrichment opportunities.
-James and Dipendra both emphasized the personal connection that students have with teachers and other faculty members. It is described as a family environment as the teachers and faculty members become mentors for life with students.
-They both described how the school educates students at the middle school level but tries to prepare them for high school and beyond. They try to develop a personalized strategy for each student.
-James shared a personal story, when he was a teenager he was headed down the wrong road but a mentor stepped in and helped him get a good education and back on the right path. He now wants to help as many students in Rochester as possible.
-Dipendra described his personal experience as life changing as well. The school gave him a sense of purpose and helped him make his way into a very successful career. He said he wants to continue to give back by mentoring students at the school and helping out the community in general.
-James talked about the success of the school, 97% of students complete high school. 79% of alumni graduate from college.
-James said the school provides an education to students of all backgrounds and it is tuition free.
-They are supported by donations and the fundraising efforts they do.
-James talked about the Nativity in Bloom event coming up and encouraged community members to come see the school and talk with students.
-James encouraged people with a skill they share with students to contact the school as they try to have people from various career paths come into the school to talk and work with students.