Our Approach

Making Waves Academy

The oversight of MWA’s approach is led by its Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer supported by key executive personnel, including  the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who lead central office functions such as talent recruitment, human resources, compliance, data and assessment and finance, and the Principal, who overseas all operations at the school itself.

The CEO and his team evaluate, support, thought-partner and consult with MWA administration, faculty and staff to support training, compliance and achievement. They also drive efforts in quality control and strategic research, which facilitate the ability for the school to adapt and pivot in response to internal and external data and circumstances.

Metrics for continued success of Making Waves Academy include:

  • Enrollment
  • Average Daily Attendance (ADA) (Note: During COVID-necessitated distance learning, MWA is measuring participation and engagement.)
  • California State Assessment Scores (CAASPP) (Suspended this year due to COVID,)
  • California Dashboard (Suspended this year due to COVID.)
  • English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) 
  • Benchmark Assessments


Student Behavior and Psychological Support Data:

  • Grade Point Averages (GPAs)
  • PSAT, SAT, & ACT Scores


AP Course Offerings:

  • High School Graduation Data
  • College Admissions Data
  • Staff Retention Rates

 

Approach

Key elements of the mission statement affirm our commitment to a holistic approach to educational programs that focus on rigorous academic preparation and college-readiness skills, social-emotional skill development, and helping students align their post-secondary education and career plans with their dreams for themselves. Making Waves Academy continues to develop a differentiated approach to learning, attempts to meet students where they are, and charts the appropriate pathway to support long-term success.

The goal of Making Waves is to get our students to and through college or an appropriately‐challenging post‐secondary educational program. Research and experience continue to inform the organization’s perspective on preparing all Wave‐Makers for college while also offering multiple post‐secondary educational pathways.

The Wave-Maker expectation to “give back” is defined as actions not only in the local community from which they came, but any community in which they choose to reside and/or serve in the future. Successful Wave-Makers are expected to reach out and reach back to support those who are still on the pathway to achieving their hopes and dreams.

Making Waves Academy continues to develop a differentiated approach to learning, attempts to meet students where they are, and charts the appropriate pathway to support long-term success.

The opportunity for our students to participate in Making Waves Education Foundation's college success program upon graduation helps Wave-Makers graduate from college within six years with little to no debt.  Making Waves Education Foundation supports students though college coaching, need-based financial scholarships, and choosing a college that is the best financial, academic, and cultural fit.

Making Waves Academy and Making Waves Education Foundation support students from 5th grade through college completion. Through a responsive approach to the needs of students, Making Waves aims to address the barriers to college and career success they often face.