With the launch of the King’s Academy’s Business Program this year, students have shown extraordinary interest in the program and the opportunity to receive a business program distinction on their diplomas upon graduation.
The program requires students to take five specific courses during their high school years with latitude for customization, enabling students to gain a broad business background before college. TKA is one of the only private schools in the county offering a full business program and will be fundamentally differentiated from other programs through emphasis on business ethics.
“At the King’s Academy, we want to ensure that our students are equipped for this ever-changing job market and want to do our part in giving our students an edge,” TKA Secondary Principal Sonya Jones said.
This innovative program is directed by Mrs. Anne Spell, current secondary math/business teacher, who holds a master’s degree in business and has historically taught the college level dual enrollment Introduction to Business course at TKA.
Spell also launched TKA’s inaugural Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter this year to supplement the program. Through this club, Spell introduced a guest lecture series, allowing local businessmen to speak to students about their business experiences, their successes and their lessons learned in the business world.
Speakers have included TKA parent Jeff Waldt, who shared lessons he has learned during his rise from a hotel doorman to the senior vice president of sales and marketing for Island Hospitality Management. TKA parent Ray Titus, who coached students on setting goals, explained how he started a simple sign shop in New York when he was 23 years old and has grown into a franchise innovator with 6 business franchise brands. Students benefited from these candid interactions and the detailed question-and-answer sessions. Additionally, FBLA members were invited to Lynn University to hear from Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D., one of the world’s leading speakers and an internationally recognized leader in the development of education, creativity and innovation.
Business students and FBLA members also participated in PBAU’s Entrepreneurship High School Challenge this year, with TKA juniors Ashley Stack, Matthew Fritz and Sarah Vander Wagen placing second overall and receiving a $500 award for their Urban Expressions business plan.
The King’s Academy is excited about the innovation and success seen in the Business Program in its inaugural year and is looking forward to continued growth and accomplishment in the future.
The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. For more information, visit www.tka.net.
ABOVE: TKA’s inaugural FBLA chapter.
