If you are interested in the Academy for your student, please fill out the Interest Form below.
Academy RegistrationThe Academy empowers its students by cultivating skills to conquer obstacles that hinder the overall success of low-income children and families in our community. We do this through evidence-based practices that place an emphasis on social-emotional-learning and developing a growth mindset. This approach supports the building of lasting, trust-based relationships with our students and their families.
Prior to 2020, more than 60% of Houston-area kindergartners began school academically behind and not reading ready, not having mastered letter, number, and color identification. This figure disproportionately reflects students in low-income neighborhoods and sets students on different learning tracks at the very beginning. Generation One Academy works to change that with a model that helps prepare young minds socially and academically.
Generation One Academy replaces the “traditional classroom” with a collaborative community. Classrooms are small with 14-15 students who are led by a teacher and aide. Our curriculum seamlessly integrates academic and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in order to develop strong character and positive decision making.
We are committed to ensuring that every child receives this balance of instruction so they can be successful throughout their academic careers and beyond.
In August 2023, we completed Collaborative for Children’s Center of Excellence Program. This is a 3 year long process. We were 1 of the 4 out of 52 that were ‘Sealed’ which is the highest honor. This is given for demonstrating improvement in child outcomes and excellence in business viability, teacher efficacy and family engagement.
Social Emotional Learning
English & Language Arts
Mathematics
Creative Arts
PE and Health
Bible Lessons
A multi-modal teaching that stimulates every learner and emphasizes learning-through-play. We use intentional, sensory play to meet developmental needs. We also provide physical education and creative expression to promote holistic growth. Healthy, brain-conscious breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided daily.
Students work toward specific outcomes to demonstrate social-emotional, developmental, and academic readiness for the next step.
Eat with a spoon and fork and drink from a cup with some assistance
Make personal food choices among several healthy options (“want apple”)
Recognize and name their own emotions
Show pride in own accomplishments by smiling, clapping, cheering,
or saying, “I did it!”
Say first and last name when asked
Choose areas to play in or activities they prefer
Recover from emotional outbursts (tantrums, biting, or hitting) in a few minutes with adult support
Listen to and begin to follow rules
Play with toys with other children or include others in pretend play
Follow two-step requests
Use three to four-word sentences with a noun and a verb
Match colors and shapes and sort toys or objects that are alike
Count objects while pointing to each one and saying the number
Kick, throw, and catch a large ball with accuracy
Run more confidently and ride a tricycle
Hop or jump
Climb a small jungle gym
Show interest and comfort in playing with and meeting new adults
Express more emotions through words, actions, gestures, and body language
Show more familiarity with personal space (sit on carpet square during Circle Time, keep hands to self)
Speak about family members and friends who are not present
Stick with difficult tasks without becoming overly frustrated
Follow schedules with few reminders, like cleaning up toys and
joining group activities
Follow three-step directions
Participate in short conversations with expected words and phrases
Use multiple words to describe and communicate feelings
Name basic colors and shapes
Negotiate turn-taking with other children
Plan what they are going to pretend to play, such as saying,
“Let’s play baking!”
Takes care of and manages classroom materials
Child remains focused on engaging group activities for about 20 minutes
at a time
Identifies and names letters
Reads some environmental print
Uses writing and drawing tools
Engages in early scribble writing; makes organized marks (pictures/writing)
Interacts during reading experiences, book conversations, and text reflections
Writes name
Uses words to rote count from 1 to 30
Child counts 1-10 items, with one count per item
Child becomes aware of own body space, respects personal boundaries
Accepts adult solution to resolve a conflict
Makes simple patterns
Recognizes how many objects are in a set
Practices good habits of personal health and hygiene
Child engages in conversations in appropriate ways
For additional questions, please contact us.
The Academy will follow HISD schedule. The students will have similar or same major holidays off as public schools in the area. A summer session is available for students through an application process that offers a combination of enrichment, SEL, Bible study and the arts.
Generation One Academy is free to the children attending, but will require that a parent or guardian actively participates in events and school programs, and volunteers time or resources. This requirement is meant to help inspire the child as they see a significant adult in their family participate in their educational process.
Generation One Academy is an early childhood education center, focused on social emotional learning in a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment.
The teacher-to-student ratio is 1-to-7. The teaching team is comprised of one teacher and one teaching assistant.
Generation One Academy is located in the Third Ward in
Riverside United Methodist Church - 4920 Cullen Blvd.
Yes, Generation One Academy will seek accreditation once the size of the school meets the requirements.
