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ATA College Prep

 
 
 
For information, contact Carol Hagar at 512.423.1105 or Carol.Hagar@AustinTennisAcademy.com
 
        Giving Back      Playing for Glimmer   A Typical Day  

  

 

 
ATA College Prep provides a personalized program for each student in grades 6-12 to maximize individual potential in tennis, academics and character. Based on goals, aptitudes and learning styles, a development plan is created to inspire the student to learn and live with integrity, and to recognize the given opportunities which provide those necessary skills.  We encourage a proactive, self-disciplined approach to goal-setting and time-management, community leadership and service. 
 
 

 
Mission
To prepare students for college and for life by providing opportunities to acquire the necessary skills to become life long learners and global change-makers.
 
Vision
To create an environment of community learning in which each member is encouraged and engaged - mind, body and spirit - in the process of learning and living with integrity and compassion.

Goals
    1)    to develop a love of learning in a supportive environment
    2)    to cultivate the pursuit of excellence
    3)    to foster freedom and personal accountability
    4)    to foster self-awareness, independence and community involvement
    5)    to maximize college opportunity and choice
 
Culture
Our surroundings influence who we are and who we will become and are critical to the health and well-being of individuals and the community.  A level of mutual respect is encouraged and required among all members of our community.  We are accountable to ourselves and to others.  We mentor others by our actions.  We employ direct and respectful communication.  We make choices that benefit our physical, mental and spiritual states of being. 
 
 
 

ADMISSIONS

 
The process for admissions is a multi step process involving parents and students.  For additional information, contact Carol Hagar at 512.423.1105  or Carol.Hagar@AustinTennisAcademy.com. 
 
Campus Visit
After a brief phone interview, interested students and their families are invited to visit the Academy. 
 
Interviews
Personal interviews are conducted with parents and students and the results are discussed with the supporting members.  Parents and students are encouraged to also interview teachers, coaches and staff members in order to make an informed decision.  Much like the process of selecting a university experience, it is important that this culture is a good fit for the student and that the student fits the ATA student profile.
 
Enrollment
Enrollment is limited to 24 students.  The average student:teacher ratio is 4:1. 
 
Assessment
Multi-step processes determine a student’s courses.  Students are fully engaged in making academic and scheduling choices, which in turn, creates accountability.

This process involves reviewing, discussing and assessing:
    1)    past performance and aptitude
    2)    future goals, reality check
    3)    challenges, likes, dislikes
    4)    willingness and ability to self-direct
    5)    available course options
    6)    Math and English Assessments
    7)    Learning Styles Assessment

 
Academy Member
After careful consideration, short-term and long-term goals are activated and adjustments are made as necessary.
 

 

 SCHEDULE
Our program has a rolling enrollment and year-round programming to provide flexibility of travel.  Each student’s development team creates a personalized schedule to balance training, coursework, activities and travel. 
8-9:30am    High Performance Workouts
10am-12noon    Academics
12noon     Lunch
1-3:30pm    Academics
4-7pm    Academy practice  
 
 
   

CURRICULUM

ATA College Prep middle school courses are designed and selected to stimulate a love of learning and provide a foundation for higher order thinking and communication skills.  Middle school students are exposed to rich subject content, art, music and hands-on projects are creatively used across subject areas.  English Literature and History studies combine reading and writing assignments with interactive discussions. Math courses stimulate problem solving and prepare for higher math concepts, using logic and number games along with traditional methods.  Middle school Sciences survey life, earth and physical explorations in a hands-on learning environment to give an understanding and an appreciation to the world around us. 
 
ATA College Prep high school courses are designed to prepare students for advanced placement and dual credit courses during junior or senior years of high school.  We employ the Texas high school Distinguished Academic Plan as a guideline to develop individualized student course plans.  Course options are offered in each core subject area and electives are created and added based on student interest and teacher talent.  Students are grouped according to interest and level.  Upper level offerings are expanded through dual credit courses and the Early College Start program at ACC.
To encourage community sharing and stimulate thought and communication, a one-room schoolhouse approach is used across grade levels for integrated enrichment activities: moderated seminars, round table discussions, oral presentations, community service projects, topic-based videos and movies, guest speakers, SAT prep, logic puzzles, word games and trivia.

In addition to academic requirements for graduation, ATA students engage in the ATA Student-Athlete Development curriculum.  This unique system teaches tools for short and long-term goal setting, accountability and responsibility, leadership and citizenship skills.  Students participate in community learning and service each year.

 
      
 
        
 
Middle School Course Offerings
(Some courses are taught on a rotating basis.)
English Literature and Grammar
Mathematics: Math Concepts, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1
Social Sciences: Ancient Civilizations, World History, US History, Civics, World Geography
Sciences: Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Biology 1
Foreign Languages: World Languages and Cultures, see High School description
Arts & Music: Art Exploration, Photography, Journaling, Theatre, Childbloom Guitar, Music Theory
Independent Study

 

High School Course Offerings

English Literature
English 1, English 2, English 3, English 4, Literature Analysis, Creative Writing, Junior Composition, Multi-Media Journalism, Independent Study

Mathematics
Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Calculus 1, Independent Study

Social Sciences
World History, US History, Government, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Independent Study

Natural Sciences
Biology 1, Biology 2, Chemistry 1, Physics, Environmental Systems, Independent Study

Foreign Languages
Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced levels of French, Spanish, Chinese, Latin and German are currently offered. Dual credit courses also available at ACC. 

Arts & Electives (Courses are offered on a rotational basis.)
Speech, Debate, Elements of Design, Music Theory, Music Instrumentals, Theatre Arts, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Multi-Media Journalism, College & Career Planning

Create Your Own Life/Work Experience or Personal Research Project
True learning takes place when the mind and the heart are engaged and working together.  To develop deeper understanding, students are encouraged to explore topics of personal interest and passion.   Internships, travel, personal projects and dedicated study may be applied as credit for graduation.  Students, along with their mentors, develop a formal proposal including: syllabus, objectives, developmental processes, schedule, and a report or portfolio of completion.  Credit is assessed and awarded on an individual basis at the discretion of the Head of School.

Students transferring to ATA College Prep during high school may follow a modified graduation plan with approval from the School Head.

 

 

LIFE SKILLS

Following the ATA philosophy of life skills acquisition, we are dedicated to creating and inspiring the personal strengths of an individual as well as exposing them to rich, thought-provoking experiences.  In addition to core courses, students participate in unique approaches to learning that develop leadership skills and an awareness of the world at large.
 
Enrichment
To encourage community sharing and stimulate thought, activities include: lively discussions, oral presentations, research papers and projects, living timeline, community service projects, topic-based videos and movies, guest speakers, SAT prep & question of the day, logic puzzles, word games, Junior Experience and/or Senior Project. 
 
 
   
      ATA Students Visit Ethiopia                   Student Grace London Raises Awareness  
Giving Back
Students devote time each week to community service and participate in activities that broaden global perspectives.  Recent and ongoing volunteering efforts include: the Playing for Glimmer campaign, the ATA recycling program, TOMS Barefoot Concert, ATA sponsored tournaments, the ATA Shootout and Glimmer of Hope events.  Students also serve as mentors to our younger players - taking responsibility for bettering each other, the program, and ultimately the world.

 

    

COLLEGE PLACEMENT

Part of the mission of the ATA is to maximize college opportunity and experience for our students.  College and universities examine many things during the admissions process.  Although certain scores are required on standardized tests, they are not the only way to estimate a student’s academic potential.  What standardized tests do not measure and what we hope to awaken and grow in each student are: work habits, initiative, study skills, responsibility, creativity, musical and/or artistic talent, leadership skills, motivation, and character.  A strong high school record depicting a course load of challenging classes and a portfolio of extracurricular activity indicates a student’s commitment to education and provides a complete picture of the individual.
 
Recent graduates are attending or have been accepted to schools such as: Florida State, Texas Tech, US Air Force Academy, St Edward’s University, DePaul, Washington and Lee, William and Mary, and Davidson College.
 
 
 
Preparation
To inspire early preparation and provide a connection between the efforts of today and the resulting benefits of tomorrow, ATA students follow the ATA College Plan, a four-year preparatory model to explore the options and the paths to achieve admission to the college of their choice.   Regular planning meetings provide guidance and encourage communication through the letter writing process. 
 
ATA stays apprised of the current NCAA requirements to assure our students are on track and eligible to play college tennis if they choose to do so.  Students register with the NCAA eligibility center at the end of the junior year.  This allows college coaches to begin their recruiting process and initiate contact.  Informational meetings are held each year to educate students and parents on the recruiting process.
 
Player Profiles
Students regularly update personal profiles to include photos, videos, attributes, awards, grades, and colleges of interest.
 

 

INSTRUCTORS 

Instructors are advocates of critical thinking and problem-solving and implement creative methods to stimulate the learning process. 

Carol Hagar, Director
B Environmental Design, Texas AM University
Art, Design, Photography, Architecture, Psychology
 
Linda Dobbs
BA English, BA Math Sciences, BA Computer Science, Rice University
English Literature & Grammar, Film Analysis, Literary Analysis
 
Brian Notis
BS Mathematics, University of Texas at Tyler
Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus
 
Summer Hoff
BS Biology, BS Math, University of Texas
Math, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry
 
Bryan Rutherford
BS Chemical Physics, BA English, Rice University
Chemistry, Physics, Math, Statistics
Hannah Hagar
BS Political Science, St Edward's University
Nutrition, French, Music, History
 
Claire Taylor
BA English, Media Studies, Texas State University 
 
Tommy Collins
BA Journalism, St Edward's University
Journalism
 
Marlene Yousef
BA Political Science, BA History, Sam Houston State University
Government, History, Speech, Debate
 
 
Andy Albright
BA Interdisciplinary Studies, Vanderbilt
M Ed, CU Boulder
SAT Prep
 

 

©2003 - 2012 Austin Tennis Academy
phone icon+1 512.276.2271 fax icon+1 512.276.2272 email icon deb.cahill@AustinTennisAcademy.com
Physical Address: 6800 Spanish Oaks Club Blvd. Austin, Texas 78738 (Map)
Mailing Address: 3801 North Capital of Texas Highway, Suite E240-161 Austin, Texas 78746

Map and driving directions to other Austin area tennis facilities.
Also see the CATA Tourney Sites and other North American Cities Interactive TennisMaps