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Fort Worth Christian School is pleased to announce an exciting new technology initiative, in cooperation with Apple, Inc., designed to prepare students for college and for the tech-savvy workplace.
iLearn@FWC, launching in Fall 2010, will provide MacBooks for all Fort Worth Christian high school students as well as all high school teachers. The laptops will be used inside and outside the classroom, creating an enhanced collaborative environment using the latest in education tools and content.
Kelly Moore, President of Fort Worth Christian School, sees tremendous value for the school and its families. "We have a responsibility to provide a curriculum with a solid foundation and an eye to the future. iLearn@FWC is the next logical step in providing a cutting edge learning environment for our students and families. We want our students to become creators of knowledge, not just consumers," said Moore.
After researching a number of options, Moore said Apple became the clear choice. "They truly understand that schools need comprehensive solutions. In teacher support, technical knowledge, project management, and great equipment ... we found a great partner in Apple," said Moore.
Randy Ritzel, Apple Sales Director said, "Fort Worth Christian School is seizing the opportunity to provide a first-rate education with appropriate tools. Students will have an unlimited, 24/7 opportunity to learn digitally, think creatively, and compete globally." The iLearn@FWC initiative is one of a number of key initiatives the school is pursuing to enhance educational value. "We've been a leader for more than 50 years in providing high quality Christian education," said Mike Chase, FWC Board Chairman. "It was time for us to make another bold move, and our leadership was ready for the challenge. It's an exciting time to be at Fort Worth Christian School."
A year ago, the school opened a new Science and Technology Center creating an on-campus home for advanced technology classes, including robotics. Demand for these courses has steadily grown, and more options are being considered for next year. The iLearn@FWC program is the next strategic component of a commitment to an advanced technology educational program.
Parents, teachers, and students have shown tremendous support for iLearn@FWC. The school is already preparing for the transition, as teachers will be receiving laptops in March to begin five months of training and support. “I love that the school is investing in our kids, and in our teachers," said Colin Madding, Technology teacher and Director of iLearn@FWC. “Once I saw the training and support provided by Apple, I knew this would be a success.”
“It's such an incredible way to prepare our kids for college. It's a big step forward,” said Joel Hellman, father of two FWC high school students.
Kelsey Goin, who will be an incoming freshman next year, is also looking forward to the program launch. “I'm on my computer a lot anyway, doing homework and talking to friends," said Kelsey. “Macs are really cool and you can do lots of different kinds of assignments that will be fun.”
“I can't wait to get started,” said Matt Shrout, a junior at Fort Worth Christian high school.
FWC, established in 1958, is located on forty acres in North Richland Hills, Texas. For over 50 years, the school has focused on providing a quality Christian educational experience in a value-centered setting to students in preschool through 12th grade. The school currently has an enrollment of 865 students.
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