The Texas Empowerment Academy was founded in 1998 as a charter school by T.A. Unlimited, Inc., a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The school was founded as a mechanism to provide children with an innovative alternative for educational excellence in grades K– 9.Since its inception, The Academy has grown into a jewel in East Austin where primarily African-American students of all labels (i.e.,“at risk,” “special education,” ‘gifted and talented,” “economically disadvantaged,” “Title I,” and all those other students that other school districts had written off as “unteachable”) have been able to thrive at both academic and social excellence.
The key to the success of The Academy is the philosophy of its administration and faculty.
We believe all students, regardless of ability levels, can be challenged by and engaged in the learning process in order to acquire core knowledge while developing higher order, problem-solving, critical and creative thinking skills.
In addition, the development of effective social skills and civic responsibility is best accomplished via applied learning.Such experience-based learning prepares students to become strong community members who have the confidence, the knowledge, and the skills to make a positive difference in their own lives, as well as in those around them.
The Academy also believes in:
- a broad-based curriculum combining basic skills with fine arts, multicultural studies, self-awareness/self-development courses, leadership skills, physical fitness, extra curricular activities, science, and computer technology
- individual attention in a small classroom and campus setting
- promotion of enthusiasm for work and the acquisition of knowledge
- summer enrichment program that strengthens math and science knowledge
- compete in UIL academic and athletic competitions
- a fine arts program that performs plays on a school and city wide basis
- encouragement to develop a sense of duty and responsibility to ourselves and to our community
- a commitment to produce graduates who exceed the basic requirements for functioning effectively in society
- enthusiastic and culturally diverse staff
- free tuition
- a strong emphasis on family and school relationships
