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SAN DIEGO – The Board of Education has approved the September 2008 opening of Crown Point Junior Music Academy, the first public school in San Diego County to feature the world-renowned Suzuki violin music program. Crown Point is one of several magnet school options offering a unique instructional focus, well-rounded academic program, and transportation throughout the district.
Crown Point Junior Music Academy is located at the former Crown Point Elementary site. Students from the former school are automatically enrolled at the new academy, which is currently accepting students from preschool, kindergarten through 5th grade with specialized musical instruction at each grade level. The Suzuki program will commence in grades K-1, expanding to the entire academy by 2010. Violins are available for students and true to the Suzuki method, parents and guardians play a critical role in the learning process and even learn to play the violin themselves.
"It is well known that music instruction is highly correlated with educational success, particularly math and science.” said school board vice president John de Beck. "We know parents will appreciate this and many will be attracted to the music programs and other specialty programs at our smaller schools."
As the Beijing Summer Olympics capture the world’s attention, another featured school prepares for an exciting new year - the Mandarin Chinese language program at Barnard Elementary. Located in Point Loma, this K-4 magnet school has been open for the past year, but according to de Beck, has not reached its full enrollment potential.
"I think many parents would like their children to learn this important language for both its cultural and economic value, they just need to know more about this hidden gem of a school" said de Beck.
Along with a challenging standard curriculum, students experience the Mandarin Chinese language through art, music, drama and physical education. First graders practicing the art of Chinese calligraphy and an elaborate Chinese New Year celebration, dragon included, are a day in the life of Barnard students. A pathway for Mandarin instruction from elementary to high school has already been developed and as is the case for all magnet schools, transportation is available throughout the district.Parents wishing to enroll their children at these or any of our magnet school options for September 2008 should contact the Office of School Innovation and Choice at 619-725-5672 or visit their website.
