Cape Girardeau's newest private school started its second school year Monday in a new location and with a few more students.

Russell Grammer and his wife, Amy, both former public school teachers, started the Prodigy Leadership Academy last year. More than 20 field trips later and with a new location downtown at First Presbyterian Church, the school is opening for its second year. The school previously operated out of True Vine Ministries on Bloomfield Street.

"To me this feels like the adventure," said Grammer, who previously taught at Jefferson Elementary for 10 years.

The school inched up its enrollment of 21 last year to more than 25. Student ages range from 5 to 14.

The academy established a tuition rate, $4,800, as well as a scholarship support team to boost community support. Before, parents and donors contributed what they could. More than 40 sponsors donate to the school on a monthly basis, Grammer said.

Grammer said he draws on the grade-level benchmarks used in public school curriculum. He also works with students individually as they learn at their own pace.

A cornerstone of the academy is parent involvement, he said. A parent-teacher organization meets monthly and Grammer is setting up a committee to decide whether to pursue accreditation. Margery Smith has corrected papers, made spaghetti lunches and baked cakes.

"I think it's important that kids see that you're making a commitment on their part," she said.

The Grammers' project drew in the attention of another former public school teacher. Pam Dumey, recently retired as a music teacher at Central Middle School, will join the staff.

"I still really wanted to continue to teach, and I agree with Russell's philosophy, the way he's running his school," she said.

Before, the school's lessons focused on music appreciation, Grammer said. The new goal is for all students to learn an instrument. Dumey said she will be starting a new performance ensemble with the students.

"Everybody will be working on music literacy," she said.

abusch@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

235 Broadway Cape Girardeau, MO