OSWALT ACADEMY NAMED APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL 2012-13
WALNUT, CA – JANUARY 14, 2013 – For the fourth consecutive year, Stanley G. Oswalt Academy is pleased to announce that it has been named an “Apple Distinguished School” for 2012-2013. Oswalt Academy, a K-8 International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School, joins a select class of institutions that Apple is recognizing as exemplary learning environments.
The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for schools like Oswalt that integrate Apple technology in education and showcase visionary leadership in creating successful 21st Century teaching and learning environments. Since initiating the Laptop for Learning program in 2008, Oswalt has transformed the school into a digital learning haven that has garnered remarkable results in closing the achievement gap in math and literacy.
“Our writing scores have soared to 100% proficient or advanced in 7th grade and our 8th grade science scores continue to rise, with 97% of our 8th graders scoring proficient or advanced,” said Principal Kevin Despard. “The key is our outstanding teachers who provide seamless technology integration into their classrooms.”
Oswalt Academy has more than 500 one-to-one laptops in grades 5 – 8 that are parent funded and in use daily. The school has continued to expand its technology-infused learning in grades K-4 with the use of more than 200 iPod Touches in the classrooms. Academic achievement is evidenced by the school’s API score reaching 922 this year.
“I am so proud that we have been honored with this Apple award four times in a row,” said Despard. “It is evident that the hard work of our students, teachers and parents in the area of improving learning through technology has paid off.”
Stanley G. Oswalt Academy is part of the Rowland Unified School District and is an International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), an international curriculum designed for students aged 3 to 12. There are currently only 30 schools in the state that are authorized to offer the prestigious PYP curriculum, that focuses on developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people. Oswalt Academy is for students in grades K – 8, and is located at 19501 Shadow Oak Drive in Walnut. For more information, visit www.oswaltacademy.org or contact Principal Kevin Despard at (626) 810-4109.
The Rowland Unified School District is proud to serve 16,000 students at 20 elementary and secondary schools in the communities of Rowland Heights, Walnut, La Puente, City of Industry, and West Covina. More than 5,000 adults (16+) are also served by the Rowland Adult and Community Education School. For more information about Rowland Unified, visit www.RowlandSchools.org.