Ascension Welcomes Largest Student Body Ever

Amarillo, TX- Ascension Academy’s administration, faculty and staff welcomed the largest student body in the school’s history Monday, August 23 for the first day of the 2010-2011 school year.

With great anticipation, a student body that’s doubled in size since January 2009 dawned the cafetorium for 2010 Convocation. Ascension holds convocation each year to welcome the students back as one body. 

“Convocation, for me, always sets a respectful and dignified tone that punctuates the beginning of a very special adventure in learning. I was very proud of our students and their well-behaved, attentive approach to Convocation. It was also gratifying to see so many parents on hand to participate in the launching of the school year,” said Head of School Dr. William Summerhill.

In addition to enrolling the most students in the school’s history, Ascension also experienced a profound retention rate of 94 percent.

“This kind of retention rate is virtually unheard of in most Independent schools. Most schools expect an attrition rate of around 10 percent each year. Our school’s retention is a reflection of the excellent faculty who, each day, motivate and inspire our students to do their best and to return each year to fulfill their dreams for their future,” said Summerhill.

The launch of the 2010-2011 school year brings many improvements for Ascension:

• The Library/Media center with 16 upgraded computers

• Global Religions chapels every other Tuesday

• The Naviance online College Resource system

• The Blackbaud online administrative resource system

• Three orchestral ensembles

• Once/week lunch sign-out privileges for juniors and seniors

• Fine arts/activities periods in the middle of the school day providing students with more opportunities to be engaged in the arts

Ascension Academy offers a private and affordable college preparatory education for sixth-twelfth graders. Ascension is a faith-affirming school, dually accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools.