“We need to return as a society to classical education. We should start in grammar school teaching multiplication, grammar, and vocabulary. Yes, there should be memorization. Doctors say the foundation of learning is rooted in the younger years.” The Headmaster of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, Joseph Maimone, made those remarks to the Shelby Lions Club recently, and went on to say, “Students start to think critically in middle school, and by the 11th and 12th grades are comfortable getting up to speak in a logical, congruent format.”
Maimone said his school began with 110 students in grades 7--12 in 1999. It now serves 1,120 pupils in grades K--12. About 360 come from Cleveland County. The academy, which is a charter school, has a very strong college preparatory focus, according to Maimone. “Students wear uniforms, which creates an atmosphere conducive for learning. There is a great record of discipline--no fights,” he emphasized. All members of the class 2010 at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy were accepted at a four year college, and many were offered scholorships.
“ There are 99 charter schools in North Carolina, and the cap is 100,” Maimone told the Lions. He would love to see another academic charter school in eastern Cleveland County, and possibly a technical charter school in the area, if the cap were raised. He explained that the traditional school in Rutherford and Cleveland
Counties do a good job, “but they can’t be everything to everybody. The more choices we have as parents and grandparents, the better we will be.” When county leaders try to recruit industry to the area, the managers ask what options are available for education. Students at charter schools are chosen by a lottery. The application date is March 15th. Any parent in the state can apply for a child. Younger siblings of current students may attend.
Maimone is a graduate of Hamilton College and holds an MBA degree from the University of Chicago. He was elected to board of the Leagues of Charter Schools in 2006 and currently serves as Communications Director for the North Carolina Alliance of Charter Schools. He also has been an officer of the Knights of Columbus in Forest City and served on the Mental Health Board from 1996 through 1999. He has been headmaster at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy since its founding. |
