MaST Apple Distinguished Program
Press Release: Apple Distinguished Program
MaST Community Charter School named Apple Distinguished Program
Philadelphia, PA — December 10, 2014 — MaST Community Charter School is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program for 2014–2016 for its one-to-one technology program.
The Apple Distinguished Program designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate Apple’s vision of exemplary learning environments.
John Swoyer, CEO of MaST, states, “MaST has chosen to focus its efforts towards developing an iPad program that allows students to work both independently and collaboratively to enhance their learning experiences in the classroom. MaST teachers, administrators, board members and students have all embraced the idea that devices can create opportunities and engagement while promoting mastery of 21st century skills. MaST has focused its model of learning, applications, and device uses on STREAM education, which infuses Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Math into all approaches of the curriculum and learning environments. It is a tribute to our whole organization for embracing technology and being recognized by Apple for these efforts.
The selection of MaST as an Apple Distinguished Program highlights our success as an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment.
Angela Koenig, MaST’s Technology Integration Specialist, comments, “MaST runs a 1:1 iPad program in grades 9-12 as well as a few lower school grades. The integration of the devices has increased student engagement and participation in the classroom. The iPads replace several of the traditional classroom tools and allows the students to have instant access to many more valuable resources.”
MaST Community Charter School currently runs a K-12 charter school that serves 1318 students. Its current Board President, Mrs. Karen DelGuercio, founded the school in 1999. MaST was one of the first charter schools in Philadelphia and has grown into one of the most successful schools in the state. MaST was the top K-12 charter last year and currently has a waitlist of over 5,600 students. It has recently applied for 2 additional schools in Philadelphia and is waiting on the approval of the Philadelphia School District to replicate the MaST model. Over the past 15 years, MaST has transformed quite a bit, but has stayed true to its core mission and vision to create innovative pathways for students pursuing knowledge focused on Mathematics, Science, and Technology.
MaST’s unique STREAM model allows an in-depth look at Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Art, and Math. STREAM provides students with hands-on and creative activities/lessons in order to prepare students for future careers. MaST incorporates elements of the STREAM curriculum in all levels K-12. A few components of MaST’s STREAM model include a K-12 robotics program, high school 3D product design, science observation and experiments in the Outdoor Garden, “shark tank” demonstrations in the Video Studio, and one to one iPad programs in multiple grade levels. Through STREAM, students learn vital 21st century skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation along with essential technology skill sets.
School representative: John F. Swoyer III, CEO
Phone: 267-348-1100
Email: jswoyer@mastccs.org