Who We Are
McKinney Academy is not just a place with walls and windows or teachers and books. It is not a building or a front door with our name on it, or even a classroom full of students. It is a concept, a vision, a promise for an enriching educational experience. McKinney Academy is a movement of sorts as we encompass important learning components that have been lost with time, funding and/or focus in our educational system in recent years. When others tell us we cannot--we know here in McKinney Academy that we CAN. We CAN offer our students drama class when it is no longer the norm. We CAN find rhythm in music class when others tell us it should be an extra-curricular activity. We CAN express ourselves through art as we cross the lines that have been drawn in the educational sand. McKinney Academy is not just a 'private school' as defined currently-it is a spirit that flows from one child to the next as he or she learns and grows in the way we know they CAN.
It is imperative to know where we have been before we can offer where it is we would like to go. McKinney Academy started from a plea from some very satisfied Junior Kindergarten parents! In 2001, award-winning teacher, Mrs. Andrea McKinney created a dynamic Junior Kindergarten program that was unlike any other program offered in the area. The program, known as "McKinney Care Academy" started with just four students in its first year and grew to 20 (plus a wait list!) in years to follow. Jr-K students were performing, singing, writing, reading and growing in a way that was fun, yet challenging. At the end of the McKinney Care Academy school year, parents would beg for more as they wanted the "McKinney learning concept" to carry into elementary years and beyond. With careful thought and consideration, Mrs. McKinney and a team of dedicated supporters established "McKinney Academy" in Fall 2007. The private school offered grades K-3, in addition to its original Jr-K program as well.
Currently, the McKinney Academy vision is to continue the growth of the school by adding one grade level per year.
In 2007, McKinney Academy opened its doors with 33 students, and within one year, nearly doubled its enrollment to 63 students in 2008 as word spread about the purpose, goals and mission of McKinney Academy.
At McKinney Academy, students are encouraged to reach high academic expectations and are challenged at the appropriate level. Children are also expected to reach high behavioral standards. The children are taught how to interact with others so that they are not just following the rules or acting as robots, but learning character traits that produce polite, kind and respectful children. Along with the philosophy of the school's high academic and behavioral standards is the incorporation of art, music, drama. Art comes to life, not with the standard fare but with unique expressions. Music is incorporated as an educational and enriching experience. At McKinney Academy, these philosophies will be continued; and in addition, each child will be encouraged to engage with a musical instrument of his/her choice.
Drama instruction at McKinney Academy is a way for the children to express themselves in a safe environment. The children learn how to become comfortable and confident speaking and performing in front of an audience. In addition, students also prepare for and deliver a presentation to the parent community every eight to ten weeks. Students at McKinney Academy meet at General Assembly twice monthly to perform for the other students, sing songs and recite poetry for their peers. The students love to engage in this way and are proud of their accomplishments.