McKeel Academy of Technology
| McKeel Academy of Applied Technology | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
|
Lakeland, Florida United States | |
| Coordinates | 28°02′59″N 81°59′03″W / 28.0496°N 81.9841°WCoordinates: 28°02′59″N 81°59′03″W / 28.0496°N 81.9841°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Charter school |
| Established | 1987 |
| School district | Polk County School District |
| Principal | Joyce Powell |
| Grades | 7–12 |
| Enrollment | Over 1,000 |
| Color(s) | Hunter Green, Navy Blue, White, and Red [Seniors only] |
| Mascot | Wildcats |
| Yearbook | The Predator |
| Website | www.mckeelacademy.com |
McKeel Academy of Technology is a junior and senior high school of over 1,000 students located in Lakeland, Florida, United States. It is located approximately a half mile southeast of Kathleen High School and cannot be viewed from any major road. In addition to being technology oriented, the school stresses career choices for each student. The school originally was Seth McKeel Jr High, and became McKeel Academy in the 1990s. McKeel Academy is a school of choice and students from anywhere within Polk County can attend. Entering students are selected through an open enrollment lottery. Students graduating from one of the McKeel Elementary Schools, siblings of current students, students that were previously in South Mckeel Academy, and children of staff members are given priority.
Students and faculty
McKeel serves an academically diverse student body. Known as a quality college-preparatory program including several Advanced Placement classes, and a broad array of honors courses. McKeel has a wide range of electives including robotics, art, band, chorus, yearbook, web design, health, iMedia, Ethics, and much more. There are high-school class trips to New York City (9th), Washington D.C. (10th), Wildcat-Rules(A multiple day tour of the top universities in Florida (11th), Florida Keys (12th), and Typhoon Lagoon (all of High School). During their senior year, students are required to do an internship to help get a better understanding of the career field they wish to go into after high school/college. However, many students use the internship program to decide if they want to go in the desired career path they had chosen. Many students also use it to proceed to advanced positions in the workforce upon graduation. They are also required to have 150 hours of Community Service to graduate. McKeel also has a well-staffed and successful ESE program.
Technology
For traditional content delivery, all of McKeel's classrooms are outfitted with video projectors and interactive white boards.
The school's network provides both wired and wireless access and provides Internet access to, on average, 2000 devices during a typical school day. Over 150 desktops comprise six different computer labs that are leveraged during technology-centric classes. The school also has MacBook and laptops carts available for teachers to use for in-class assignments/projects.
In addition to traditional computing devices, McKeel leverages tablet technology. All of McKeel's students are expected to have access to an Apple iPad and are given the option to provide their own or borrow one from the school (for a nominal fee).
Athletics and clubs
Boys Sports (Most have JV & Varsity):
Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Wrestling, Cheerleading, Golf, Track & Field, Cross Country, and Tennis.
Girls Sports (Most have JV & Varsity):
Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Track & Field, Golf, Cross Country, and Tennis.
Clubs:
YIG, Youth in Government, NHS National Honor Society, NJHS National Junior Honor Society, SGA Student Government Association, Chess, Fencing, Art, Drama, Photography, and many more
Growth
In 2003, McKeel sponsored the charter and creation of McKeel Elementary Academy or MEA housing approximately 340 K-5 students. South McKeel Elementary Academy (approximately 560 K-5 students) opened in 2006. Both elementary schools have been rated as A schools under Florida's school accountability rating system for every year of their operation.