Reviewed by: Pat Byington
New principal shares exciting plans for Magic City Acceptance Academy
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The second year of Birmingham’s Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA) is in full swing, and teachers, faculty—and of course, students—could not be happier! We sat down with the school’s new principal, Dr. Patton Furman, to learn more about exciting changes and opportunities coming to Magic City Acceptance Academy.
About Dr. Patton Furman and Magic City Acceptance Academy
Although Magic City Acceptance Academy has only been open since August 2021, the school has already made a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of children in Alabama. Open to students in grades six through twelve, Magic City Acceptance Academy is an LGTBQ+ affirming learning environment where all students feel welcome and accepted.
The school is now led by Dr. Patton Furman, a longtime Birmingham educator with more than 20 years of experience who joined the MCAA staff last year.
“I first heard about Magic City Acceptance Academy through social media, and I was surprised to find out that it was a new school that was LGBTQ+ affirming. The fact that the school is affirming to all students really spoke to me—I’ve always been drawn to restorative practices and to social and emotional learning. That’s what makes Magic City Acceptance Academy special to me.”
Dr. Patton Furman, Principal, Magic City Acceptance Academy
Before MCAA, Dr. Furman taught French at Oak Mountain High School, served as the principal of the Shelby County Schools Alternative Programs (including New Direction and the Success Programs) and even taught English to students while living in France. In addition to a Master’s in French Education and a EdS degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Furman recently completed a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama.
Now, she’s bringing that experience to Magic City Acceptance Academy.
A renewed focused on the student experience
With their inaugural school year under their belt, the Magic City Acceptance Academy team is focusing on improving the key services they offer to students. One way Dr. Furman is growing the academic curriculum at Magic City Acceptance Academy is by identifying and offering new electives in several departments, such as:
- Foreign Language — French, Spanish and Other
- Fine Art — Visual Art, Theatre, Tech Theatre, Music, Band, Dance and Media Production
“My vision for Magic City Acceptance Academy is to really hone in on academics and growing our curriculum. We just added a Media Production class where students can learn about and actually create a school news channel! The creative side of academics is one that is not always taken seriously, but allowing students to explore that creativity has proven to support growth in core classes and testing.”
Dr. Patton Furman, Principal, Magic City Acceptance Academy
Another goal of Dr. Furman’s is to increase mental health support for students across the board. With a growing team of social workers and counselors, Magic City Acceptance Academy can focus on giving students the tools they need to more forward—whether that be college and career planning, mental health resources, referrals, coping skills or another form of support.
“In my experience, students who have emotional support and people around them who accept them are more likely to succeed. We want to focus on the student as a whole, because if a student is having trouble dealing with an aspect of their life then their academics are likely suffering too.”
Dr. Patton Furman, Principal, Magic City Acceptance Academy
In addition to a renewed focus on their students, Magic City Acceptance Academy recently started a new parent organization to encourage their involvement.
“We really value the perspective of our students’ parents and want to get them involved in their children’s education. Thanks to this new organization, our parents are able to offer their input, help with events and be a part of the Magic City Acceptance Academy family.”
Dr. Patton Furman, Principal, Magic City Acceptance Academy
New Student Applications for 2023 – 2024 school year are NOW OPEN
Magic City Acceptance Academy is a great choice for students who’s learning needs aren’t being met in their current school.
“There are always going to be students who don’t feel like they fit in the traditional school system—maybe they’re marginalized, bullied or forgotten. Magic City Acceptance Academy is here to serve those kids. We are a school where all students can feel secure to learn and grow both emotionally and academically.
If Magic City Acceptance Center sounds like a space that you or someone that you know would really thrive in, I welcome you to apply today. We’re accepting grades 6 through 12, and you can apply on our website at www.magiccityacceptanceacademy.org.”
Dr. Patton Furman, Principal, Magic City Acceptance Academy
To learn more about opportunities at Magic City Acceptance Academy, visit their website and follow them on Facebook!
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