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Local Voices

The Academy K-8 School Reopening Under New Management

BERKELEY, CA, July 18, 2014—The Academy, a K-8 private school that has provided accelerated learning to East Bay students for over 45 years, is reopening this fall as a nonprofit institution. Previously operated as an LLC owned by the family of founder Marshall H. Lombardo, the Academy will now be led by an elected board of parents, teachers, and local community members. This new elected board will operate the school under its current name at its current location, with all of the existing teachers and staff, adhering to the same academic principles attributing to its longtime success.


When the Lombardo family recently announced their intention to close the school, a group of dedicated parents and teachers seeking to preserve the school's tradition of small class size and academic excellence established a new 501(c)(3) on July 17, 2014. 


Located in the heart of Berkeley's Elmwood district, the Academy is currently accepting applications for the 2014-2015 school year. The school provides a superior education and values parent and teacher involvement in creating a rich academic experience for children. Class sizes are small, allowing for teachers to directly address individual student needs while providing in-depth instruction in Math, English, Science, History, Art, Music, Physical Education, and French, which starts in kindergarten.  


Students from the Academy go on to attend some of the most prestigious high schools and colleges in the country. The Academy continues to offer an advanced curriculum uniquely tailored for accelerated students. The school has a diverse, multiethnic and multinational student body with strong social ties across grade levels.  It fosters a strong sense of community, while teaching tolerance, respect, and responsibility.


“The best of who we are and what we are is moving forward in the new school. I’m excited and energized by the opportunity to continue teaching in such a special place,” says Dana Weld, Academy teacher and interim Head of School.


“I am so proud to be part of the Academy, and I’m very excited to be part of the amazing changes to come,” says Kelly Cochran, fifth grade teacher.


The Academy will host an open house this Saturday, July 19 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at 2722 Benvenue Avenue in Berkeley, where prospective families can meet teachers, students and parents. The school is currently assessing additional students for all grades. For high achieving children who qualify, scholarships are available. For more information, please contact Amelia Miazad at amiazad@theacademyk-8.com.

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