PCA's Academic Components

1. Rigorous Curriculum - Our scholars are engaged in technology-rich, standards-based curriculum. The curriculum is based on a constructivist framework. This framework offers students a unique opportunity to create their own learning experiences through critical thinking and problem solving.

2. Entrepreneurship - Our scholars are provided curriculum resources, teaching strategies,and productivity tools to research and define their own entrepreneur efforts. Ultimately, this approach will empower the students to become future business owners who provide goods and services for Hickory Hill and our global community.

3. Technology - Our scholars are afforded the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of technology. Through a partnership with Apple, Inc., which provided one Mac Book for each child who is enrolled at the academy, gone are the days of endless worksheets and hours of teacher lecture. Students are now creating iMovies, podcasts, and other multimedia presentations. Moreover, the University of Memphis’s Center for Research in Educational Policy (CREP) has joined the Power Center Academy’s efforts to incorporate a high technology program in our middle-school environment.

4. Financial Literacy - Our scholars are offered the opportunity to learn financial literacy through real-world experiences. Through a partnership with SunTrust Bank, our scholars run their own Youth Bank. PCA scholars receive a biweekly paycheck. Their earnings are divided among monthly expenses such as locker and desk rentals, investment in the stock market, and savings.

5. Community Service - Power Center Academy wants scholars to invest in their communities; that is why service is a vital part of Power Center Academy’s mission. Students at the academy have many opportunities to give back to through service-learning projects. These projects are designed with the Hickory Hill Community’s needs in mind. Becoming a servant leader is core to our character-education curriculum.