Academics
- Academics
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Languages
- Fine Arts
- CTE
- Electives
- Fitness & Health
- Academic Facilitator
- Advanced Academics
- AVID
- Be College Ready
Academics
English Language Arts
Welcome to YWLA English Language Arts!
As our students interact with informative, powerful, thought-provoking texts and develop critical reading comprehension, literary analysis and general study strategies, we are committed to develop skillful readers, writers, and communicators.
Eighth Grade Reading
A complete description of the middle school language arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills can be found at the Texas Education Agency web site. Some of the knowledge and skills emphasized in eighth grade, specific to reading, are described below.
Across genres, students will analyze literary works that share similar themes across cultures; compare and contrast the similarities and differences in mythologies from various cultures; analyze works written on the same topic and compare how the authors achieved similar or different purposes; and compare and contrast persuasive texts that reached different conclusions about the same issue and explain how the authors reached their conclusions through analyzing the evidence each presents.
With literary texts, students will work primarily with fiction to analyze linear plot developments to determine whether and how conflicts are resolved; and analyze how the central characters' qualities influence the theme of a fictional work and resolution of the central conflict. Students will also explain how the values and beliefs of particular characters are affected by the historical and cultural setting of the literary work; compare and contrast the relationship between the purpose and characteristics of different poetic forms; analyze how different playwrights characterize their protagonists and antagonists through the dialogue and staging of their plays; analyze different forms of point of view, including limited versus omniscient, subjective versus objective; analyze passages in well-known speeches for the author's use of literary devices and word and phrase choice to appeal to the audience; and explain the effect of similes and extended metaphors in literary text.
With informational texts, students will work primarily with expository text to summarize the main ideas, supporting details, and relationships among ideas in text succinctly in ways that maintain meaning and logical order; make subtle inferences and draw complex conclusions about the ideas in text and their organizational patterns; and synthesize and make logical connections between ideas within a text and across two or three texts representing similar or different genres and support those findings with textual evidence. Students will also distinguish factual claims from commonplace assertions and opinions and evaluate inferences from their logic in text; analyze the use of such rhetorical and logical fallacies as loaded terms, caricatures, leading questions, false assumptions, and incorrect premises in persuasive texts; evaluate graphics for their clarity in communicating meaning or achieving a specific purpose; evaluate the role of media in focusing attention on events and informing opinion on issues; and evaluate various techniques used to create a point of view in media and the impact on audience.
Seventh Grade Reading
A complete description of the middle school language arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills can be found at the Texas Education Agency web site. Some of the knowledge and skills emphasized in seventh grade, specific to reading, are described below.
Across genres, students will describe the structural and substantive differences between an autobiography or a diary and a fictional adaptation of it; and explain the difference between the theme of a literary work and the author's purpose in an expository text
With literary texts, students will work primarily with fiction to explain the influence of the setting on plot development; analyze the development of the plot through the internal and external responses of the characters, including their motivations and conflicts; and determine the figurative meaning of phrases and analyze how an author's use of language creates imagery, appeals to the senses, and suggests mood. Students will also describe multiple themes in a work of fiction; describe conventions in myths and epic tales; analyze how place and time influence the theme or message of a literary work; analyze the importance of graphical elements on the meaning of a poem; explain a playwright's use of dialogue and stage directions; and analyze different forms of point of view, including first-person, third-person omniscient, and third-person limited.
With informational texts, students will work primarily with expository text to evaluate a summary of the original text for accuracy of the main ideas, supporting details, and overall meaning; use different organizational patterns as guides for summarizing and forming an overview of different kinds of expository text; and synthesize and make logical connections between ideas within a text and across two or three texts representing similar or different genres, and support those findings with textual evidence. Students will also distinguish factual claims from commonplace assertions and opinions; analyze the structure of the central argument in contemporary policy speeches and identify the different types of evidence used to support the argument; identify such rhetorical fallacies as ad hominem, exaggeration, stereotyping, or categorical claims in persuasive texts; explain the function of the graphical components of a text in procedural texts; interpret both explicit and implicit messages in various forms of media; and evaluate various ways media influences and informs audiences.
Sixth Grade Reading
A complete description of the middle school language arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills can be found at the Texas Education Agency web site. Some of the knowledge and skills emphasized in sixth grade, specific to reading, are described below.
Across genres, students will compare and contrast the historical and cultural settings of two literary works; identify the literary language and devices used in memoirs and personal narratives and compare their characteristics with those of an autobiography; compare and contrast the stated or implied purposes of different authors writing on the same topic; and compare and contrast the structure and viewpoints of two different authors writing for the same purpose, noting the stated claim and supporting evidence.
With literary texts, students will work primarily with fiction to summarize the elements of plot development in various works of fiction and explain how authors create meaning through stylistic elements and figurative language emphasizing the use of personification, hyperbole, and refrains. Students will also infer the implicit theme of a work of fiction, distinguishing theme from the topic; analyze the function of stylistic elements in traditional and classical literature from various cultures; explain how figurative language contributes to the meaning of a poem; and describe different forms of point-of-view, including first- and third-person.
With informational texts, students will work primarily with expository text to summarize the main ideas and supporting details in text, demonstrating an understanding that a summary does not include opinions. Students will also explain whether facts included in an argument are used for or against an issue; explain how different organizational patterns develop the main idea and the author's viewpoint; synthesize and make logical connections between ideas within a text and across two or three texts representing similar or different genres; identify faulty reasoning used in persuasive texts; interpret factual, quantitative, or technical information presented via graphical components in procedural texts; explain messages conveyed in various forms of media; and recognize how various techniques influence viewers' emotions.
Mathematics
Welcome to YWLA Mathematics!
We are having a great year in the math classes at the Young Women's Leadership Academy! In sixth-eighth grades, students prepare for Algebra I and the high school and college-level math courses that follow. In high school courses, students are preparing for calculus and college-level courses that follow. Students are building teamwork, gaining new understanding, engaging in real-world problems to solve, and achieving success as they develop the discipline, knowledge, and skills needed to be ready for future courses and beyond.
Sixth Grade Math
A complete description of the middle school math Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills can be found at the Texas Education Agency web site. Some of the knowledge and skills emphasized in sixth grade are described below.
Specifically in sixth grade, students will:
- generate equivalent forms of rational numbers including whole numbers, fractions, and decimals;
- use addition and subtraction to solve problems involving fractions and decimals;
- use multiplication and division of whole numbers to solve problems including situations involving equivalent ratios and rates;
- use order of operations to simplify whole number expressions in problem solving situations;
- use ratios to make predictions in proportional situations;
- use tables and symbols to represent and describe proportional and other relationships such as those involving conversions, arithmetic sequences, perimeter and area;
- formulate equations from problem situations described by linear relationships;
- describe the relationship between radius, diameter, and circumference of a circle;
- select and use appropriate units, tools, or formulas to measure and to solve problems involving length (including perimeter), area, time, temperature, volume, and weight; and
- solve problems by collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data.
Seventh Grade Math
A complete description of the middle school math Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills can be found at the Texas Education Agency web site. Some of the knowledge and skills emphasized in seventh grade are described below.
Specifically in seventh grade, students will:
- convert between fractions, decimals, whole numbers, and percents mentally, on paper, or with a calculator;
- use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve problems involving fractions and decimals;
- select and use appropriate operations to solve problems and justify the selections;
- estimate and find solutions to application problems involving percent;
- estimate and find solutions to application problems involving proportional relationships such as similarity, scaling, unit costs, and related measurement units;
- formulate problem situations when given a simple equation and formulate an equation when given a problem situation;
- use critical attributes to define similarity;
- graph reflections across the horizontal or vertical axis and graph translations on a coordinate plane;
- estimate measurements and solve application problems involving length (including perimeter and circumference) and area of polygons and other shapes;
- estimate measurements and solve application problems involving volume of prisms (rectangular and triangular) and cylinders;
- make inferences and convincing arguments based on an analysis of given or collected data; and
- choose among mean, median, mode, or range to describe a set of data and justify the choice for a particular situation.
Eighth Grade Math
A complete description of the middle school math Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills can be found at the Texas Education Agency web site. Some of the knowledge and skills emphasized in eighth grade are described listed below.
Specifically in eighth grade, students will:
- compare and order rational numbers in various forms including integers, percents, and positive and negative fractions and decimals;
- use appropriate operations to solve problems involving rational numbers in problem situations;
- estimate and find solutions to application problems involving percents and other proportional relationships such as similarity and rates;
- generate a different representation of data given another representation of data (such as a table, graph, equation, or verbal description);
- predict, find, and justify solutions to application problems using appropriate tables, graphs, and algebraic equations;
- generate similar figures using dilations including enlargements and reductions;
- estimate measurements and use formulas to solve application problems involving lateral and total surface area and volume;
- use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve real-life problems;
- use proportional relationships in similar two-dimensional figures or similar three-dimensional figures to find missing measurements;
- find the probabilities of dependent and independent events; and
- draw conclusions and make predictions by analyzing trends in scatterplots.
Science
Welcome to YWLA Science!
Sixth Grade Science
Sixth grade science is interdisciplinary in nature; however, much of the content focus at this grade level is on physical science. A complete description of the middle school science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills can be found at the Texas Education Agency web site. Some of the knowledge and skills emphasized in sixth grade are described below.
In the area of matter and energy, students will know an element is a pure substance represented by chemical symbols; differentiate between elements and compounds; and compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. They will calculate the density of a known substance and research and debate advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels.
In the area of force, motion, and energy, students will compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy; calculate the speed of an object; identify and describe changes in the position, direction and speed of an object when acted upon by an unbalanced force; and investigate methods of energy transfer including conduction, convection and radiation.
In the area of earth and space, students will identify major tectonic plates and classify rocks; describe the physical properties, location and movements of the Sun, planets, Galilean moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets; and understand that gravity is the force that governs the motion of our solar system.
In the area of organisms and environments, students will understand that all organisms are composed of one or more cells; recognize that the presence of a nucleus determines whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic; recognize that the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms is divided into currently recognized Domains; describe biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem; and be able to diagram the levels of organization within an ecosystem.
Seventh Grade Science
Seventh grade science is interdisciplinary in nature; however, much of the content focus at this grade level is on organisms and environments. A complete description of the middle school science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills can be found at the Texas Education Agency web site. Some of the knowledge and skills emphasized in seventh grade are described below.
In the area of matter and energy, students will recognize that radiant energy from the Sun is transformed into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis; diagram the flow of energy through living systems; identify that organic compounds contain carbon and other elements; and distinguish between physical and chemical changes in matter in the digestive system. In the area of force, motion, and energy, students will contrast situations where work is related to varying amounts of force.
In the area of earth and space, students will analyze the effects of weathering, erosion, and deposition on the environment in ecoregions of Texas; model the effects of human activity on groundwater and surface water in a watershed; and analyze the characteristics of objects in our solar system that allow life to exist.
In the area of organisms and environments, students will describe how different environments support different varieties of organisms and how biodiversity contributes to the sustainability of an ecosystem; describe the role of ecological succession. Students will examine organisms or their structures and identify some changes in genetic traits that have occurred over several generations. They will identify the main functions of the systems of the human organism; differentiate between structure and function in plant and animal cell organelles, and recognize levels of organization in plants and animals. Students will compare the results of uniform or diverse offspring from sexual reproduction or asexual reproduction; and recognize that inherited traits of individuals are governed in the genetic material found in the genes within chromosomes in the nucleus.
Eighth Grade Science
Eighth grade science is interdisciplinary in nature; however, much of the content focus at this grade level is on earth and space science. A complete description of the middle school science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills can be found at the Texas Education Agency web site. Some of the knowledge and skills emphasized in eighth grade are described below.
In the area of matter and energy, students will describe the structure of atoms, including the masses, electrical charges, and locations, of protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in the electron cloud; identify that protons determine an element's identity and valence electrons determine its chemical properties, including reactivity; interpret the arrangement of the Periodic Table, including groups and periods, to explain how properties are used to classify elements; recognize that chemical formulas are used to identify substances and determine the number of atoms of each element in chemical formulas containing subscripts; and investigate how evidence of chemical reactions indicate that new substances with different properties are formed. In the area of force, motion, and energy, students will demonstrate and calculate how unbalanced forces change the speed or direction of an object's motion; and investigate and describe applications of Newton's law of inertia, law of force and acceleration, and law of action-reaction such as in vehicle restraints, sports activities, amusement park rides, Earth's tectonic activities, and rocket launches.
In the area of earth and space science, students will model and illustrate how the tilted Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night, and revolves around the Sun causing changes in seasons and demonstrate; predict the sequence of events in the lunar cycle; and describe components of the universe, including stars, nebulae, and galaxies, and use models such as the Herztsprung-Russell diagram for classification. Students will relate plate tectonics to the formation of crustal features, and interpret topographic maps and satellite views to identify land and erosional features and predict how these features may be reshaped by weathering. Students will also recognize that the Sun provides the energy that drives convection within the atmosphere and oceans, producing winds and ocean currents; identify how global patterns of atmospheric movement influence local weather using weather maps that show high and low pressures and fronts; and identify the role of the oceans in the formation of weather systems such as hurricanes.
Finally, in the area of organisms and environments, eighth grade students will describe producer/consumer, predator/prey, and parasite/host relationships as they occur in food webs within marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems; investigate how organisms and populations in an ecosystem depend on and may compete for biotic and abiotic factors such as quantity of light, water, range of temperatures, or soil composition; and explore how short- and long-term environmental changes affect organisms and traits in subsequent populations.
Social Studies
Welcome to YWLA Social Studies!
We love social studies at YWLA! From their studies, students will understand better the diverse people of our world, gain new perspectives, understand of the power of the history, and build a foundation for advanced and college level history and humanities courses.
Eighth Grade Social Studies
Eighth grade social studies is a year-long course of study serving as the first part of a two-year study in which students examine the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction to build upon the content taught in fifth grade but with more depth and breadth. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, challenges of the early Republic, westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction. In the geography strand, students study physical characteristics of the United States and their impact on population distributions and settlement patterns in the past and present. Students analyze the various economic factors that influenced the development of colonial America and the early years of the Republic and identify the origins of the free enterprise system. Students examine the American beliefs and principles, including limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights, reflected in the U.S. Constitution and other historical documents. Students evaluate the impact of the Supreme Court cases and major reform movements of the nineteenth century and examine the rights and responsibilities of citizens of the United States as well as the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society. An evaluation of the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the development of our nation is also a part of the course of study. There is an emphasis on critical thinking skills, including the identification of bias in written, oral, and visual material.
Seventh Grade Social Studies
Seventh grade social studies is a year-long course of study of the history of Texas from early times to the present in which students build upon the foundation laid in fourth grade with more depth and breadth. The full scope of Texas history is examined, including the cultures of Native Americans living in Texas prior to European exploration and the eras of mission building, colonization, revolution, republic, and statehood. In each era, the focus is on key individuals, events, issues, and their impact. In the geography strand, students identify the regions of Texas and the distribution of population within and among the regions and explain the factors that led Texas to change from a rural to an urban society. Students describe the structure and functions of municipal, county, and state governments, explain the influence of the U.S. Constitution on the Texas Constitution, and examine the rights and responsibilities of Texas citizens. Students examine primary and secondary sources to observe the richly diverse cultural background of Texas as they identify the different racial and ethnic groups who settled in Texas to build a republic and then a state. Students also analyze the impact of various scientific discoveries and technological innovations such as barbed wire and oil and gas industries on the development of Texas.
Sixth Grade Social Studies
Sixth grade social studies is a year-long course in which students study the people and places of the contemporary world. Societies are chosen for study from the following regions of the world: Europe, Russia and the Eurasian republics, North America, Middle America, South America, Southwest Asia-North Africa, Sub-Sahara Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Rim. Students study the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events in those societies and identify the locations and geographic characteristics of selected societies. Students examine the different ways of organizing economic and governmental systems. Students describe the nature of citizenship in the various societies as they examine the concepts of limited and unlimited governments; and compare institutions common to all societies such as government, education, and religious institutions. Students explore how the level of technology affects the development of selected societies and identify different points of view about selected events.
Languages
Spanish I
This full-year course introduces students to Spanish vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, basic dialogues, and basic sentence patterns. Audio-lingual materials aid in the development of communication skills. Through various classroom activities, students observe and experience Spanish culture. Skills and concepts in listening, speaking, reading, and writing are stressed; however, major emphasis is given to oral communication. High school grading procedures apply to this course.
Prerequisite: Students in grades 7-12 may take this class.
Spanish II
This full-year course emphasizes oral comprehension and reading skills, and students expand their fluency in Spanish. Grammar, vocabulary, literature, and cultural studies are included. Skills in listening, speaking, and writing are also stressed; however, major emphasis is given to oral communication. High school grading procedures apply to this course.
Prerequisite: Spanish I or Advanced Foreign Language Proficiency Assessment
Pre-AP Spanish III
In this high school level Spanish course, students undertake grammar and vocabulary studies, enhance aural comprehension as well as oral and written proficiency, and explore Spanish culture, particularly in the areas of art, music, history, and geography. Classic and contemporary Spanish literature is studied. High school grading procedures apply to this course. Students and parents are required to sign and abide by the Grand Prairie ISD Pre-AP/AP Contract.
Prerequisite: Spanish II or Advanced Foreign Language Proficiency Assessment AP
Spanish IV (AP Spanish Language and Culture)
This intensive high school level TEKS-based course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Exam. This class will include a thorough grammar review; refine aural and oral proficiency; daily discussions of various cultural readings, literature or current topics; weekly compositions; and research papers. Students are required to take the AP exam. High school grading procedures apply to this course. Students and parents are required to sign and abide by the Grand Prairie ISD Pre-AP/AP Contract.
Prerequisite: Pre-AP Spanish III or Advanced Foreign Language Proficiency Assessment
Spanish V (AP Spanish Literature and Culture)
This course is an opportunity to learn about Latin American writers’ time and his or her response to life which is cultural history. This course also provides a diverse vocabulary, nourishes effective writing and develops powerful rhetorical skills.
Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language and Culture
Spanish VI (Conversational Spanish)
You will be able to have the conversational skills to communicate everything that will contribute to your career growth.
Prerequisite: Spanish III
Fine Arts
Orchestra
Music, through its inherent ability to develop intellectual and emotional communication skills, encourages cultural awareness and enriches society. The YWLA music curriculum provides opportunities for students to attain the knowledge and skills necessary to be become musically literate, well-rounded individuals.
The YWLA Music Program is organized into four strands:
PERFORM: developing musicianship through singing, playing instruments, and moving to music
CREATE: using the notational tools of music to express ideas, thoughts, and feelings; includes individual approaches to improvisation
INVESTIGATE: utilizing the study of music theory for music reading; analyzing the manner through which music is organized; making informed judgments about music and arts
CONNECT: awareness of the commonality between music and other disciplines
9th through 12th grade string players in high school orchestra classes hone playing skills developed in earlier grades with a goal of playing advanced literature, including that of the great Western composers. Jazz, fiddle, and rock styles are also explored and performed. Students will have numerous performances throughout the year, will participate in a solo and ensemble event, and will travel to a music festival off campus. High school students may also audition for All-Region, All-Area, and All-State Orchestra placement. students from other attendance zones may transfer for the orchestra program.
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra is our most advanced High School performing group. This group performs frequently throughout the year and competes at the UIL 6A level. Performances include Fall Orchestra Concert, All-Region auditions, Young People’s Concert, Winter Concert, UIL Solo and Ensemble, UIL Concert and Sight-reading, Spring Orchestra Concert, Festivals, and any other performing opportunities that may be presented throughout the year. This advanced ensemble rehearses every other day during school and once or more after school weekly. Membership in this group is highly selective as advanced music reading, musicianship, responsibility, and experience are basic necessities. Students are selected by the directors based on attitude, playing ability, and dedication. Although Instruments are provided by the school contractually and free of charge, it is highly recommended to rent or purchase a higher quality instrument outside of school. Please feel free to contact the director for recommendations regarding instrument purchase or rental suggestions. Private lessons are highly recommended. Audition Required.
String Orchestra
This course is for intermediate level performers with an emphasis on developing skills for advancement in the Orchestra program. Membership is selective as advanced reading, musicianship and student responsibility are required. Students grade 9-12 may take this course.
Beginning Orchestra
This course is designed for students with little to no instrument experience in mind. Emphasis will be placed on skills necessary for long term success. Fundamental skills include proper posture, playing technique, tone production, and note and rhythm literacy. The school is able to provide the following instruments to be played at school as well as at home free of charge: Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass. Instruments are contractual and are at a first-come, first-served basis. Students are fully responsible for the care and maintenance of their assigned instrument. Students from grades 9-12 may take this course.
Instrument Rental – YWLA will provide instruments to each student free of charge. Students and parents are required to fill out the instrument contract form and are responsible for the care and maintenance of the instrument issued.
CTE
Career and Technical Education
Young Women's Leadership Academy at Arnold
Career and technical education programs offer a sequence of courses that provides students with coherent and rigorous content. CTE content is aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in current or emerging professions. Scholars have the option to pursue one of three CTE pathways while attending YWLA:
- Engineering (Biotechnology Engineering)
- Marketing & Sales (Business Marketing)
- Teaching and Training (Education & Leadership Preparatory)
The CTE instructor team at Young Women's Leadership Academy is comprised of: Mr. Childs, Ms. Cavitt, Ms. Christensen, Dr. Robedee, and Ms. Martinez.
While taking CTE courses, students have the opportunity to join Career and Technical Student Organizations, compete at local, state, and national levels, and earn certifications that help build professional portfolios while developing 21st century skills.
The world is yours! All YWLA scholars will be supported through their learning journey and graduate with an endorsement in their area of study and pathway.
YWLA is a free public school single-gender academy where scholars receive a comprehensive and enriching experience from 6th through 12th grade.
Interested in finding out more about GPISD's innovative CTE programs across the district? GPISD CTE
Electives
Teen Leadership
This course, offered to sixth and seventh-grade students, develops skills in the following areas:
- Leadership
- Professional and business skills
- Self-concept
- Healthy relationships
- Personal responsibility
- Emotional intelligence
- Public speaking and communication
Teen Leadership and AVID students volunteer at the Bonham Early Education Center
Professional Communications
Professional Communications is a one-semester course available to eighth grade students. The course focus is to encourage our students and equip them with the skills necessary for a successful future. Our goal is to produce quality leaders with a strong sense of who they are and where they are going. We believe that our students have what it takes to be highly successful professionally, socially, and personally.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
AVID is a course that targets beliefs and skills needed for student success in rigorous, college preparatory curriculum. The course is specifically for students who might not be thinking about college and through AVID we hope to see students set their sights on college and do what it takes to get there.
In the AVID classroom, some of the skills students learn are to use study strategies, work in collaborative groups, and write as part of the learning process. Students also increase their awareness of what it means to be college ready. AVID is available to seventh and eighth-grade students. There is an application and selection process in the spring.
Fitness & Health
Health Education
Health Education is a one-semester course for high school credit. It is available only to eighth-grade students and high school students. The course focuses attention on aspects of good physical and mental health. Topics include systems of the body, human development (family life, growth and development, reproduction, and heredity), safety and first aid, awareness of health problems, and the development of healthful attitudes and habits. Upon successful completion of the Health Education course, one-half credit is earned toward high school graduation requirements.
Physical Education
Students are offered a comprehensive program that will significantly contribute to their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Activities will include team and individual sports with an emphasis on physical fitness, lifetime activities, and cooperative games.
Academic Facilitator
Our focus is to provide professional development for teachers by providing them with the additional support needed to implement various instructional programs and practices. Our plan is to demonstrate leadership for our school’s entire literacy program by helping create and supervise long-term staff development processes that support both the development and implementation of literacy programs. By improving reading and writing instruction, our girls will rise to the occasion of STUDENT SUCCESS with the spirit of excellence!
Book Selection Tips- Lexile Levels
Advanced Academics
Young Women's Leadership Academy offers a variety of Advanced Academics classes including Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment. Advanced Placement and Pre-Advanced Placement are open enrollment for students who are ready for challenging, rigorous coursework. Interested students should consult with a counselor.
Dual Enrollment courses are classes that earn high school credit and college hours for the same coursework. For example, Dual Enrollment English gives credit for both English 4 and college Freshmen English. Dual Enrollment is free and can be taken during the school year or as a summer course at the college. More information is available through the counseling offices.
Mission
The Grand Prairie ISD Advanced Academics Program is committed to ensuring that our highest ability learners are challenged to meet their potential and that curriculum and learning opportunities are in line with their needs, interests, and abilities.
AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination
Our AVID College Readiness system is designed to prepare young ladies at Young Women’s Academy for four-year college eligibility. The core component of AVID CRS is the AVID Elective course, which supports students as they tackle rigorous coursework that will prepare them to be successful in AVID. AVID’s teaching strategies, curriculum, and training are used not only in the AVID elective class but by subject-area teachers on our site team.
AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
WICOR Poster- WICOR is an acronym for strategies used in AVID classrooms. The letters stand for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading.
Be College Ready
Take Challenging Courses
Do you know what colleges are looking for on a high school transcript? The #1 thing they want to see is success with rigorous coursework. Colleges (and future employers too) want to know that you took on a challenge, stuck with it, and finished what you started - that you were determined. Determination is something people respect and value.
Challenging courses in middle school include Pre-AP courses and Gifted & Talented (GT) courses. These courses are very important in the middle school setting as they prepare you for greater challenges in high school. Challenging courses in high school include Pre-AP, GT, dual-credit and/or Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
If you are not taking Pre-AP courses in middle school, get ready! Show that you have a good work ethic, want a challenge, and do what it takes to get A's. Check out the Advanced Academics pages for more information or contact Zakkiyyak.Coleman-Price@gpisd.org
Explore Your Interests
Remember that colleges want to see you have a passionate commitment to a few extracurricular activities and dedicated development of those interests. Middle school is a time to explore those interests and figure out upon what you really want to focus. Is it art, dance, or choir? Perhaps you love a particular sport or play a musical instrument. There are many options. Explore them!
As you approach your high school years, choose two or three interests, work hard at them, and stick with them. You will earn the pride that comes with mastering your art and will learn valuable lessons in teamwork and perseverance. Maybe most importantly you will really own something you love to do.
Serve and Lead
Be someone who is willing to accept the responsibility of leadership. Leadership is about accepting additional responsibility, following through on your promises, and being someone others trust to make good decisions. You can show leadership in your academic courses, extracurricular activities, and community service. Volunteer to be a club or organization officer. Work to become the captain of your athletic team or school band. These are a few ways you can show leadership.
Also be someone who serves your community in meaningful ways. Find one or two community needs that you care about and take action. You might volunteer at a local food pantry, tutor younger students in an after-school program, visit a nursing home, or volunteer at the public library. You could also get involved with activities sponsored by organizations like the American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, or Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful. These are just a few ways you could serve your community. Make it something you are passionate about and commit to it over time.
Service and leadership go together. If you look for ways to accept responsibility and serve others, you will become a leader. If you lead others with service in mind, those you lead will recognize and respect your leadership.