• ELOM International Academy will be the first charter school in the north-western suburb, and probably the nation, specifically designed to cater to West African immigrant children. It utilizes a curriculum that provides an emphasis on English as a second language and the development of each student's personal character and leadership qualities.
• ELOM will provide a learning opportunity that, up until now, has only been available at select private schools.
• ELOM is founded by community leaders, educators and business people who want their children to receive an education that demands their best in behavior, attitude and effort; and that challenges them to achieve their highest potential. It is a college prep educational program based on true inquiry, intellect, and character.
• ELOM will also focus on developing character and leadership qualities, with the goal of creating not just smarter students, but young people who are prepared to lead abundant and responsible lives as contributing members of our society.

• ELOM will have the freedom to adopt the best practices utilized anywhere in the nation, rather than being required to follow the standardized curricular approach of a larger school district. It will also be free to select the best and most dedicated staff available.
• ELOM will purposefully set high expectations for all of its students. The Academy places a far greater emphasis on character development, respect, self-organization, responsibility, self-discipline and leadership than does a traditional public school.
• With a small enrollment, all students will receive personalized attention, permitting a low student/teacher ratio and membership in a mutually supportive community of learners.
• A streamlined and accessible administration will allow ELOM International Academy to change course and innovate quickly and to apportion a higher percentage of public funds directly to teaching and the classroom.

• The school day will run between seven and eight hours, longer than at a traditional high school.
• Each day will begin with students being greeted at the door by staff, elders and other members of the community. This is critical, as it provides all students with a clear sense that they are welcomed and integral to the life of the school.
• Students will proceed to a community meeting where they interact with a leader or presenter, and may also participate in small groups with staff and other individuals. Conversation, showing of books, establishing positive relationships, and other activities are highlighted. Drumming and dancing will be a frequent activity during this time, incorporating the culture of West African or another part of the world. An Elder may talk about geography, music, give a poetry recital, or provide mentorship to a group or to individual students.
• Each day will also begin with a morning meeting where students will be recognized for exemplifying one or more of the school's virtues. This daily celebration of character will underscore the importance of these virtues in academic life and will provide a regular opportunity to recognize excellence in character. It will also make behavior expectations explicit to both students and adults.
• There will be time of refreshment and reflection. Community members and Elders will be encouraged to visit with students, have lunch together and/or participate in recreational activities together. They may talk or focus on a particular subject matter or issue of interest to students at their table.
• Core subjects will be continued in the afternoon, as well as additional time for tutoring and mentorship according to individual student needs.
• Each day will end with a group meeting and celebration. Music (including group drumming) will often be used. This is also an opportunity to reinforce the CORE values and culture of ELOM. At this time, some students may go home while others stay for after- school enrichment activities or additional tutoring/ESL, as busing options allow. Staff, parents and community members will be involved in planning and leading these activities, which might include simple art projects and group reading and acting.
• The strength of the day's program lies in the positive and productive relationships among staff, parents and the community to include and support all children and to create an expectation and shared culture of excellence.

Comfort Lartey-Ofori
Start-up Coordinator and Director
clarteyofori@elomacademy.org
763-221-6634