Echelon Academy is a K-12 private school in Montgomery County, Maryland.
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We are still considering applications for fall enrollment.
Echelon Academy's
INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Choose your path: Business and Finance, Law, Medicine, STEM, Global Studies, or Art.
COMPLETE COURSES ONLINE AND EARN
UNITED STATES HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT
Echelon Academy is a prestigious and exclusive private school located in the Washington DC area, partnered with select international schools. Accepted international students will choose an academic pathway and progress through the necessary United States middle school and high school courses to complete their pathway. Students receive course credit through the United States Department of Education to advance towards a United States high school diploma. Additionally, students will work with a college advisor for one-on-one instruction and guidance towards gaining admission to their university of choice where they will become successful professionals. Students will complete the program by developing a capstone project with a mentor that showcases an excellent understanding of their chosen career pathway.
Students will expand their knowledge of computer information systems, entrepreneurship, economics, accounting, finance, management and marketing.
Students will combine all four aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to study in depth biochemistry, chemical engineering, computer coding, software development, civil engineering and statistics.
Students will explore government and politics, criminal justice, business law, environmental law, family law and tax law.
Students will enhance their world view through the study of American History, Foreign Language, Global issues, international business, sociology and cultural studies.
Students will take on the role of a pre-med student and learn First-Aid, Psychology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genetics and Anatomy.
Students will pursue learning through the arts including Visual Arts, Media and Communications, Broadcasting and Video Production, Photography, Graphic Design, Journalism and Web Page Design.
TRUST THE STATS
82%
of students who attended a private school in the Washington DC area were accepted to the university of their choice.
90%
of students who participate in an international education program gain employment less than 6 months after graduation
25%
increase in salary is earned by students who studied in an international educational program in the United States.
Question and Answer
FOR PARTNER SCHOOLS
Why apply to become a partner school?
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Partner schools have the unique opportunity to set themselves apart from the typical learning experience offered by every other school in their communities. Only our partners can offer their students credited United States high school courses taught by American teachers, building a United States academic transcript. Holding both local and American transcripts will significantly increase a student’s chance of acceptance to top universities, internships, and jobs around the world. Our partners will increase their student enrollment and marketability to potential families by having this advantageous edge in the competitive field of education. Partner schools have the choice to integrate courses into their daily academic schedules as dual enrollment courses or as an after school academic program.
Why partner with Echelon Academy?
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Located in the heart of Washington DC, Echelon Academy provides your students a unique experience that encompasses all the values of a modern and progressive United States education. For over 10 years, Echelon has developed connections with government officials, business executives, and local nonprofits- providing exclusive access for our students to network with and learn from high-ranking professionals. Staffed with the best in the world, Echelon individualizes every student's pathway and offers them the academic flexibility to take courses which ensure that students achieve their goals. Your students will advance toward their career pathways through internships, research projects, and training opportunities to build confidence and present a competitive edge in the college application process and global job market.
How will Echelon Academy’s International Scholars Program help your students succeed?
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Being a part of Echelon Academy’s International Scholars Program is crucial in our ever-changing global society. Now, more than ever, it is necessary for students to distinguish themselves from the rest of the world in the increasingly competitive college admissions process and job market. Colleges and employers look for people who seek rigourous challenges, volunteer in their communities, and have real world experiences. Students in our program will apply to universities with their native country’s transcript and a United States transcript, demonstrating academic rigor, that they enjoy challenges and have succeeded in advanced courses. Students have the opportunity to earn a United States high school diploma through Echelon Academy’s International Scholars Program, proving to American Universities that they are ready for acceptance into higher education in the United States. Learning from American teachers exposes students to American culture and prepares students to adapt to various teaching styles in the United States. Language skills will be perfected all from the comfort of your local school or in the home. The completion of a capstone project will exemplify experiential learning, leadership, innovation, volunteer work and the creation of local and international community partnerships. This extensive combination will set students apart from other international students and showcase our students greater ambition and success compared to their American counterparts. Those who wish to enter the job market will find comfort knowing that 90% of students who participate in an international education program gain employment less than 6 months after graduation and enjoy a 25% higher starting salary.
Who are our instructors?
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Echelon’s teaching staff is composed of certified teachers, college professors, and award winning experts in their professional fields.
What is the application process to become a partner school?
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Schools begin the process by submitting a partner school application. Echelon’s school partnership team will be in contact within 7 days of the application submission.
How are partner schools accepted?
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Echelon Academy chooses partner schools based on their commitment to students, academic standards, and interest in collaboration with an international school.
What is the application process for students?
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Students begin the process by submitting an application form and a personal statement. Students who advance to the next round will have an interview with Echelon’s admissions team. A decision will be reached within 7 days of the interview, and sent via email.
How are students accepted?
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Echelon Academy accepts students based on their academic ranking, English skills, and interest in pursuing an international education.
What is the minimum age a student can begin the program?
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Students can begin taking courses with Echelon Academy at age 8.
Is there a minimum age to enroll in accredited high school courses?
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Eligible students can begin taking high school courses at age 12.
How many courses may a student be enrolled in per semester?
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A student may enroll in a maximum of 3 credits per semester. 21 credits are required to earn a United States high school diploma.
What is required to earn a United States high school diploma?
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A United States high school diploma is awarded to students who fulfill minimum enrollment, credit, and competency requirements, including four years of approved study beyond Grade 8 with a minimum of 21 credits. The 21 credits consist of 4 English credits, 3 Math Credits, 3 Science credits, 3 Social Studies Credits, 3 Elective Credits, 2 Foreign Language Credits, 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 Technology Credit, .5 Health Credit, and .5 Physical Education Credit.
Can schools and students choose the schedule and times to complete their courses?
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Yes, Echelon Academy works with each school and student to find a schedule that works for them to complete their courses.
What are the minimum requirements to complete a pathway?
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Students will work with Echelon Academy to design their individual pathways. At a minimum, students must complete 4 credits worth of classes and a capstone project to complete their pathway- this must include a year long public speaking and debate course worth 1 credit. Credits will not be awarded until a student’s pathway is complete.
What is a capstone project?
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A capstone project is a mentor-guided two-semester project where students independently research a topic to obtain a deep understanding of their chosen pathway. Each student will check in with their capstone mentor for 30 minutes each month and will present their work to Echelon’s board of directors upon completion.
Why are speech and debate courses mandatory?
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Taught by national speech and debate champions, students will build foundational spoken and written English language skills to guide them towards success in the United States school system. Speech and debate combines all essential elements of mastering the English language: writing, research, logical reasoning and verbal presentation.
Can a student change their pathway?
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Yes, a student may change their pathway at any time. However, this may extend the time it will take a student to complete their new pathway.
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What are Echelon Academy’s International Scholars Program college advising services?
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Students who select to receive college advising services will be matched with a college advisor to identify a college wish list consisting of safety, stretch, and wish schools.Together, students and their advisors will create a resume for college applications, discuss and complete essay topics, complete applications, and track application documents and status until acceptance.
Question and Answer
FOR INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES
How will Echelon Academy’s International Scholars Program help students succeed?
Being a part of Echelon Academy’s International Scholars Program is crucial in our ever-changing global society. Now, more than ever, it is necessary for students to distinguish themselves from the rest of the world in the increasingly competitive college admissions process and job market. Colleges and employers look for people who seek rigorous challenges, volunteer in their communities, and have real world experiences. Students in our program will apply to universities with their native country’s transcript and a United States transcript, demonstrating academic rigor, that they enjoy challenges and have succeeded in advanced courses. Students have the opportunity to earn a United States high school diploma through Echelon Academy’s International Scholars Program, proving to American Universities that they are ready for acceptance into higher education in the United States. Learning from American teachers exposes students to American culture and prepares students to adapt to various teaching styles in the United States. Language skills will be perfected all from the comfort of your local school or in the home. The completion of a capstone project will exemplify experiential learning, leadership, innovation, volunteer work and the creation of local and international community partnerships. This extensive combination will set students apart from other international students and showcase our students greater ambition and success compared to their American counterparts. Those who wish to enter the job market will find comfort knowing that 90% of students who participate in an international education program gain employment less than 6 months after graduation and enjoy a 25% higher starting salary.
Why study with Echelon Academy?
Located in the heart of Washington DC, Echelon Academy provides your student a unique experience that encompasses all the values of a modern and progressive United States education. For over 10 years, Echelon has developed connections with government officials, business executives, and local nonprofits- providing exclusive access for our students to network with and learn from high-ranking professionals. Staffed with the best in the world, Echelon individualizes every student's pathway and offers them the academic flexibility to take courses which ensure that students achieve their goals. Your students will advance toward their career pathways through internships, research projects, and training opportunities to build confidence and present a competitive edge in the college application process and global job market.
Who are our instructors?
Echelon’s teaching staff is composed of certified teachers, college professors, and award winning experts in their professional fields.
What is the application process for students?
Students begin the process by submitting an application form and a personal statement. Students who advance to the next round will have an interview with Echelon’s admissions team. A decision will be reached within 7 days of the interview, and sent via email.
How are students accepted?
Echelon Academy accepts students based on their academic ranking, English skills, and interest in pursuing an international education.
What is the minimum age a student can begin the program?
Students can begin taking courses with Echelon Academy at age 8.
Is there a minimum age to enroll in accredited high school courses?
Eligible students can begin taking high school courses at age 12.
How many courses may a student be enrolled in per semester?
A student may enroll in a maximum of 3 credits per semester. 21 credits are required to earn a United States high school diploma.
What is required to earn a United States high school diploma?
A United States high school diploma is awarded to students who fulfill minimum enrollment, credit, and competency requirements, including four years of approved study beyond Grade 8 with a minimum of 21 credits. The 21 credits consist of 4 English credits, 3 Math Credits, 3 Science credits, 3 Social Studies Credits, 3 Elective Credits, 2 Foreign Language Credits, 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 Technology Credit, .5 Health Credit, and .5 Physical Education Credit.
Can schools and students choose the schedule and times to complete their courses?
Yes, Echelon Academy works with each school and student to find a schedule that works for them to complete their courses.
What are the minimum requirements to complete a pathway?
Students will work with Echelon Academy to design their individual pathways. At a minimum, students must complete 4 credits worth of classes and a capstone project to complete their pathway- this must include a year long public speaking and debate course worth 1 credit. Credits will not be awarded until a student’s pathway is complete.
What is a capstone project?
A capstone project is a mentor-guided two-semester project where students independently research a topic to obtain a deep understanding of their chosen pathway. Each student will check in with their capstone mentor for 30 minutes each month and will present their work to Echelon’s board of directors upon completion.
Why are speech and debate courses mandatory?
Taught by national speech and debate champions, students will build foundational spoken and written English language skills to guide them towards success in the United States school system. Speech and debate combines all essential elements of mastering the English language: writing, research, logical reasoning and verbal presentation.
Can a student change their pathway?
Yes, a student may change their pathway at any time. However, this may extend the time it will take a student to complete their new pathway.
Can a student take these courses during the school day at their home school?
Dual enrollment during their school day may be an option if your student’s school is an Echelon partner. If a student is admitted independently, courses will most likely be completed before/after school and on weekends.
If a student wishes to study in the United States, will these credits transfer to an American high school?
Yes, credits earned from Echelon Academy can be transferred to private American high schools. Transfer credit acceptance is dependent upon matching course descriptions and each individual high school in the United States reserves the right to accept or deny credits. In accordance with the United States Department of Education, only high school courses receive credit. Elementary and middle school courses will be added to a students transcript, but cannot be transferred for credit.
Does a student need to attend a partner school to apply for the program?
No, students do not need to attend a partner school to apply. Students can apply for one of our pathway programs as an independent scholar. If a student is admitted independently, courses will most likely be completed before/after school and on weekends.
What are Echelon Academy’s International Scholars Program college advising services?
Students who select to receive college advising services will be matched with a college advisor to identify a college wish list consisting of safety, stretch, and wish schools.Together, students and their advisors will create a resume for college applications, discuss and complete essay topics, complete applications, and track application documents and status until acceptance.
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Olivia Adams has been passionate about speech and debate for her whole life. As an educator, public speaking and debate coach, and communication scholar, she has multiple areas of speech and debate expertise. Olivia began her public speaking and debate journey in 8th grade when she joined her first competitive public speaking and debate team. Since then, she competed in every possible local, regional and national tournament with the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) in high school and the American Forensics Association (AFA) in college. Forensics drove her to continue her studies in higher education receiving degrees in communications and writing, rhetoric and persuasion while simultaneously competing on her university speech and debate team. For four years, Olivia was captain of her university’s speech and debate team, leading her team to several national tournaments and victories. She has qualified for every national tournament during her college career, advancing to national finals rounds in multiple speech and debate events. On the team, Olivia gained experience coaching the events of Public Forum, Policy Debate, Lincoln-Douglas, Congress, Original Oratory, Persuasive and Informative Speaking, Impromptu, Extemp, and Dramatic Interpretation. Olivia was the recipient of the 1st Place Overall Speaker Award for 3 consecutive years at the Virginia is For Lovers Tournament in 2016, 2017, and 2018. In addition, she was the Recipient of the 1st Place Speaker Award in the event of After Dinner Speaking at the Virginia State Forensics Tournament in 2015 and
2016, making her the state champion for two consecutive years. She qualified for AFA-NIET Qualifier each year in the events of Prose, Dramatic, Poetry, POI and Duo Interpretation and Persuasive, Informative, and After Dinner Speaking.For the past several years, Olivia also has been coaching Club Debate and Public Forum with Capitol Debate Summer Camps. She coached public speaking and debate for four years at the university’s communication center where she pursued research in treating public speaking anxiety among young adults with virtual reality therapy. Her research was presented at the national communication centers conference in 2018, has been implemented by universities across the United States and continues to influence her teaching pedagogy. As a certified teacher at Echelon Academy, Olivia integrates critical reasoning and public speaking into her teaching style. Using an individualized approach to learning, Olivia adapts her curriculum to best suit the learning styles of each student. When Olivia is not teaching or coaching she spends her time judging national tournaments upon request for major universities on the east coast. Olivia has a degree in Communications Studies and writing, rhetoric and persuasion from James Madison University.
Kelly Mazzeo has been dedicated to education for over thirty years. Throughout her career she has taught in the DC Metropolitan Area including Maryland and Virginia, from preschool to high school. She has been a department chairperson, staff development instructor, and parent educator. Kelly works privately as a staff development consultant to schools and has been an advocate for students for many years.
For more than twenty years, she has provided community-based workshops to families. In 1988 she was selected as an Outstanding Woman of America. In 2000 she received 1st place in the national teaching for excellence competition, and in 2016, she was the recipient of the International ATHENA Award for her extraordinary dedication of self and generosity, professional excellence, community service, and the mentoring of youth. Currently, Kelly is the Director and Founder of Echelon Academy, a prestigious and exclusive K-12 academy in Maryland. She is a professor in both the Department of Education and the Department of English and Reading at Montgomery College. She teaches about public speaking, argumentative writing, English language, US Government, Civic Engagement, arts integration, reading, and educational foundations as well as judging national speech and debate tournaments. Kelly uses public speaking and debate as a vehicle to help her students refine their writing, researching and public speaking skills. Many of her students have gone on to debate with their high school and collegiate teams in Public Forum, where they have
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seen success in a variety of regional and national tournaments. Her international students have had great success in bid tournaments, advancing to the Tournament of Champions (TOC) in Shanghai. Kelly is the Executive Director and Founder of the Echelon Debate camp, where she oversees curriculum development and implementation. In addition, she oversees the Echelon Debate Team who is partnered with the National Speech and Debate Association and is the acting faculty advisor for the Speech and Debate Club at Montgomery College. She is also a Summer Instructor at the Mid-Atlantic Catholic Schools Consortium Summer Institute, where she teaches reading and writing courses to non-public teachers for state certification/recertification. Through years of experience she has developed a network where she connects students with industry leaders in the fields of politics, sustainable development, environmental protection, health sciences, and law. Kelly is a frequent speaker at regional and national conventions oriented towards parenting, education and creative classroom approaches. In addition to serving as a member on several local boards of directors, she has been a presenter for The Maryland Council for Exceptional Children Literacy for Success Convention, Early Childhood Education and Career Fair at Montgomery College, Maryland Council for Exceptional Children Convention and MANSEF to list a few.She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary/secondary education from Radford University, and a Master of Arts in education from The George Washington University.
David Scott has been involved with business and education since his youth. In 10th grade, after being asked for foreign language tutoring help from his peers, he combined his love for foreign language and his entrepreneurial spirit to create his first business. David tutored students himself, and connected other students with other tutors. As an intern at Echelon Academy during his freshman year of college, this small idea inspired him to found Echelon Academy’s first after school program, High Flyers, open to the Washington DC community. For 7 years, High Flyers has served over 250 students motivated to strengthen their academic resume, form connections and develop the essential skills to create a powerful global impact. David’s program includes additional academic tutoring and support for all core subjects, AP, SAT, and ACT Prep, college readiness courses, internship procurement and a variety of extracurricular courses; Public Speaking and Debate, Future Business Leaders of America, Model UN, Government and Politics Club, Coding and Computer Science Club, and STEM Club. During his summers home from college, David was promoted from a camp counselor to the Director of Sports Camps at Chevy Chase Club outside of Washington DC in less than a year, managing over 200 campers and 15 staff members. His rapid advancement demonstrates his ability to help others quickly grow and flourish in their careers. David attended the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain in 2015, where he studied international business, import and export data,
and Spanish language. While studying in Barcelona, David taught English to Spanish students hoping to study in the United States and he traveled to Florence, Italy to attend the Future of Education international conference as well as Berlin, Germany to see The International Conference on Advanced Research and Education, Teaching and Learning. He received the Excellence in Spanish Scholarship from James Madison University, Best Public Speaker in a Foreign Language Award in 2016 and 2018 Teacher of the Year Award at Echelon Academy. Currently during the school year, David is the Director of International and External Programs at Echelon Academy. David holds degrees in International Business and Modern Foreign Languages. As a certified teacher, David assists in the curriculum development and instruction of each after school program while teaching courses in business and foreign language during the school day. David has built years of valuable experience working with American and International students pursuing global studies, directing several long and short-term exchange programs and building relationships with schools, educators, and university representatives in the United States. David loves making connections with each of his students and watching them succeed as they attend the top universities and land major internships and jobs with several Fortune 500 companies.
Educators where she trained for over 40 hours and was awarded the certificate of achievement and employment services with an emphasis on customized employment. Alex was nominated for the Wally Russell Foundation Professional Mentoring Award in 2018. Alex has been ranked the #1 placement specialist from CLE since she began in 2019, having the highest number of student placements in the East Coast division of the company. Alex received her degree from James Madison University in Public Policy and Administration.
When it comes to mapping the career paths of students there is nobody better than
Alex Kelly. As Director of Admissions and Outreach for College Living Experience (CLE), Alex spends her time advancing the transition program for youth in the process of employment and secondary education by building professional relationships with local businesses. Alex is an advocate for students in the hiring process and continues to manage their progress throughout their internships and jobs. She helps students with target job development workshops and seminars. Since 2016, she has worked with youth in the DC metropolitan area to provide guidance in career readiness. As the assistant director of The Homework Cafe, an after-school organization for student extracirruclar activities, Alex monitored the organization's productivity, supported teachers in their curriculum development, and managed activities, yearly events, community service events, and weekly student meetings. Echelon is grateful to have Alex, not only as an instructor but also as a transitions specialist. Her connections with internships and jobs in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area have benefitted numerous students. Alex takes it upon herself to facilitate a collaborative process with students and families and advocate for hiring and retention of her students. Alex was asked to speak as a transition specialist at the MANSEF national conference in 2017 due to her overwhelming success with student job placement. Alex has received training and certification with the Association of Community Rehabilitation
Security Committee. John acted as an industry liaison with regulatory agencies, technical organizations, and represented the industry at scientific meetings and forums while advising industry leaders on scientific, technical and regulatory matters. In the years following, John directed Laboratory for State Air Monitoring Programs and provided technical and chemical analytical support for the state’s air pollution control program for the New Hampshire Air Pollution Control Agency in Concord, New Hampshire. John was a professor of Chemistry at Union College in New York. John has over 7 published works. For the past 5 years, John has taught biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, algebra, geometry, calculus and statistics at Echelon Academy. John held the highest GPA in his graduating chemistry class and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut. Additionally, John received his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of New Hampshire.
Echelon’s resident expert in all fields Math and Science is none other than
John Festa. John started his career in Washington DC at the American Forest & Paper Association Department of Policy Analysis and Research as a Senior Scientist. He was responsible for providing scientific and technical support with a principal focus on environmental, occupational and product health and safety issues. John has a broad experience in managing interdisciplinary industry committees, directing technical projects, conducting legislative and regulatory analysis, drafting testimony and representing the industry before governmental agencies. John has extensive working knowledge of major environmental and health legislation including the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act, the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (paper/paperboard food packaging), and the California proposition 65. John developed successful industry programs to address chemical, environmental, health and safety regulatory issues. He managed contracts for program technical and scientific research with universities and private research institutions. Additionally, he conducted educational workshops and seminars on chemical, environmental, health and safety topics. Throughout his career, John served as staff executive for industry committees including the Chemical and Product Stewardship Committee, Safety and Health Committee and Facility Chemical
Take one step into Michael Gill’s classroom and you will be swept away by his endless knowledge, energy and enthusiasm. Michael is in his third year of teaching at Echelon Academy and is known for incorporating his past, professional experiences with law into exciting lesson plans. Prior to starting his teaching career, Michael worked as a paralegal drafting documents to be filed with Maryland courts. Students who have had the pleasure of learning with Micheal know that learning can be an enjoyable experience thanks to his innovative ideas and integration of hands-on learning. Michael got his degree in Political Science from St. Mary's College of Maryland. While attending St. Mary's, Michael studied abroad at the Paris Institute for Political Science (Sciences Po). Later, he earned a Paralegal Studies Certificate from the Legal Studies Institute at Anne Arundel Community College. Micheal is as passionate about teaching STEM subjects as he is discussing and teaching law. He finds creative ways to teach subjects such as physics, earth science, chemistry, algebra, geometry and consumer math that engage student interest. In his free time, Michael leads a youth group in his community. Inside and outside of the classroom, Micheal strives to make a positive impact on students’ lives.
How do you seamlessly integrate arts and education into a STEM driven curriculum? Ask Dave Mazzeo. For over 10 years, Dave has been a driving force in the development of arts based courses at Echelon Academy. From the moment he stepped on stage as character Mercutio, from in William Shakespeare's 1597 tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Dave knew that theatre and the arts held a special place in his heart. He quickly became a lead actor and supporting actor in many productions. When the curtain goes up, Dave transforms into character until the final curtain call. As a certified educator at Echelon Academy he yearns to inspire young artists to take their artistic craftsmanship, novice or experienced, and develop their character persona they are proud to share with the world. Dave provides instruction by which students develop aesthetic concepts, elements of a play, and the ability to make qualitative judgments about art. Dave knows and applies elements of design and modern principles of theatre art, introduction of theatre auditions, stage blocking and stage presents and performance space, theatre personal and jobs, box office management, and has planned and presented art displays and exhibitions designed to exhibit students’ work for the school and the community. Dave’s expertise can be found on or off the stage. He specializes in set design, light rigging, video production, video resolutions and editing. While Dave’s passion began with theatre, he has since trained in the areas of visual arts, art history and theatre. At Echelon Academy, he assists with their speech and debate program as the
assistant coach of interpretive events: prose, dramatic/humorous interpretation, program interpretation, and poetry interpretation. Dave’s created 7 rules of the Theatre Actor: T-Try new things; H-Have fun; E-Encourage others; A-Accept feedback; T-Try your best; R-Respect other actors; E-Embrace success and learn. Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts in Radio, TV and Film from the University of Maryland.