If you recall, in the article recently written in the Tallahassee Democrat on October 8th, 2006 concerning “Keeping kids in school,” SAIL was mentioned in an inaccurate manner.

Noted from the article “SAIL- the School for Applied Individual Learning, for students with very high potential who can’t or don’t perform well in a traditional learning environment.” Most students who attend SAIL prefer SAIL over a traditional high school due to the teaching methods, the extra curricular activities, former graduates who have inspirited others to attend, in addition to the alternative learning environment. In other cases some students are recommended to SAIL because of their low test scores on the FCAT, or due to performance in a traditional High Schools.

The kids at SAIL all dance to the beat of a different drum, which makes for a diverse environment. SAIL is an innovative magnet school that emphasizes interactive learning, creative expression and community involvement in a caring environment of around 400 students. SAIL seeks to provide a many-sided student population with the foundation necessary to become responsible citizens in a global community. Students must meet the same credit and grading requirements as other Leon County students. However, the approach is an ever evolving dynamic one that capitalizes on the talents and interests of an open mined staff and student body.

As an current student at SAIL I personally enjoy all of the different types of life styles, personalities, and cultures seen every day at school. Attending SAIL as a freshman my Reading, Science, and English grades have increased within only a 9 week period. I did not attend SAIL because of low test scores or failing grades in my previous school, I chose SAIL for its award winning test scores that beat state and district averages, the low drop out rate and high graduation rate. Forty percent of SAIL’s graduates are eligible for “Bright Futures Scholarship” each year. Which will be handy in the future.

Magnanimously,
Kristen Griffin