I have been asked repeatedly for references. I am always glad to
provide those but I thought that the best references would be
those by Todd Academy students or parents of students who
have graduated. I provide these exactly as I received them. I
asked the student only if they would be willing to provide a
reference and that if they provided it I would not change it in
any way. Here is what I received:
As a graduate of the Todd Academy, I know that Sharon Todd is a great person. She
knows all the ins and outs of the SPAN program and is willing to work specifically on your child’s case to find out more and to get things done. If your child is too weak in one area to take it in college, Sharon will give them their own homework until they're ready. Not only does she schedule classes that fit your child’s high school needs, Sharon will also consult with your child to see what area he or she might like to major in; she will then schedule their classes accordingly, thus fulfilling their high school and college requirements simultaneously.
Above all, Sharon is a good role model and relates very well to teenagers. She knows
bright kids. She treats each teenager she meets with respect and courtesy and because of
this they feel that they can confide in her; but don’t be worried, she knows how to pull out
the whip when they’re slacking off.
Stacey
Political Science Major, Junior, IUPUI
Todd Academy Graduate 2005
Graduate IUPUI 2007
July 6, 2006
To all students and parents who may be considering whether to work with Sharon Todd and Todd Academy:
I can only address this question from personal experience. My daughter, Carrie, now an enrolled, degree-seeking student at I.U.P.U.I., would unequivocally say yes! Go for it!
Carrie is a smart, self-motivated individual, determined to succeed. But, in spite of her great grades, she had health problems that kept her struggling every step of the way as she tried to get her education. We combined public school, home schooling, distance learning with what we thought was a terrific curriculum, and finally the SPAN program at I.U.P.U.I. That's where we met Sharon Todd and were introduced to Todd Academy and its guided support system.
Through Todd Academy Carrie and I learned that she could complete her high school education by taking the carefully selected necessary courses at I.U.P.U.I., as a SPAN student, and get a head start on her college education at the same time. Ms. Todd helped Carrie select the courses that set her up for success. This is a great deal more than saying that she provides the equivalent services of a high school guidance counselor. Ms. Todd looks at the whole person. She meticulously coordinated her intimate knowledge of Indiana's required credits for high school diplomas and I.U.P.U.I.'s curriculum offerings, with Carrie's health needs, preferences, and career goals. Ms. Todd understands the nature and requirements of individual courses, and helped Carrie choose the courses that would both meet her required curriculum and help her use her strengths.
In short, Todd Academy changed (for the better) the course of my daughter's life and, therefore, of my life. I feel very strongly that:
1.) If you are a student (or a parent of a student) who is looking for something that is a good educational fit, you should seriously consider Todd Academy. This applies to those of you who are looking for something beyond public or private high school, as well as those of you who are considering home school. (If you are a home schooler, you are considering a variety of curriculum's anyway, and there is none better. It's a great education, and you get a lot more "bang for your buck" financially, by combining high school and college. You also have the distinct advantage of having a head start on your college education.) Why take the same courses twice?
2.) If you are a SPAN student, you should definitely also be a Todd Academy student. The SPAN program gives you an amazing opportunity to advance your education and rise to a challenge not found in the typical "high school" classroom. Todd Academy is the vehicle that sets you up to succeed within the SPAN program. This decision will be a huge part of the course of your future. You should consider it very carefully, and not minimize the value of looking into it further. Check out the website, talk with other Todd Academy parents and students, and ask to shadow a Todd Academy student on campus!
I should say something further: As a student, you must plan to rise to the occasion of college level work. In addition to the obvious requirement of attending classes with other college students, you will have to plan your time and work directly with Ms. Todd regarding your curriculum. She treats her students with complete respect and professionalism, and she (rightfully so) expects the same in return. To those of you who are parents, Ms. Todd knows from personal experience what it feels like to have a high school age child taking college level work. You will notice this understanding as you and your child work with her.
In summary, I would highly recommend Todd Academy to every qualified student and their parents and guardians. Please do not pass up this important, one-of-a-kind opportunity to change your educational life!
Respectfully,
Pennie
Parent of Carrie
Note: Since this was written Carrie has graduated with Honors with a B.S. in Psychology, was immediately accepted into the Masters Program of her choice and is currently applying for PH.D programs starting fall of 2011. We are very proud of her. She continues to be actively involved with Todd Academy, Inc.
