About Banneker Prep ─ a Brief Overview
Who We Are
The origin of the Benjamin Banneker Preparatory Academy dates back to the fall of 2009 when the home of the school's founder, Annette Hilts (a mathematics educator with more than 30 years experience), turned her living room into a classroom and opened the doors to two bright and talented sixth-grade young men, who had no idea of what BBPA was all about. A talented science teacher (Sam Takata) who was on sabbatical undertook the challenge of being their first teacher. Throughout the year, these young men experienced challenging academics, in addition to lessons on character building, grooming, and public speaking.
By year two (fall 2011), the school's enrollment increased to four. Each of the boys was taught the core content for 7th grade and began to explore various career options according to their temperament and interests. Unfortunately, this is where the story ended. Due to funding, the school could not be sustained, and the doors closed after only two years.
Our Mission
The mission of the Benjamin Banneker Preparatory Academy is to equip urban male youth for academic and moral success by means of the following Christian principles:
Education ~ Purpose ~ Service
We believe that through a biblical understanding of who they are & why they are here, rigorous academics – emphasizing English language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, coupled with male character building, our students will acquire confidence, success, and the capacity to become future servant-leaders in their communities.
Our Services
Banneker Prep will provide a small school setting with the following daily programming: extended instructional time for English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics; science and social science classes specifically designed to address the unique learning needs of male youth. At the start of each day, students will assemble for breakfast with the principal and BBPA staff. As part of the morning meal, students will participate in daily worship, followed by prayer. After breakfast, students will attend a full day of academic classes, Physical Education, and an advisory class at the end of their day (The Advisory curriculum includes lessons in leadership, grooming, financial literacy, and character development – appropriate to students age and grade level). BBPA will extend its instructional time after school for students to receive tutoring and/or homework help.
All BBPA staff will be highly qualified professionals trained in a variety of instructional strategies geared toward educating male students.