College Prep / Private High School, West Palm Beach FL

Matlock Academy, West Palm Beach:
Matlock Prep (MP) is a private college prep high school in West Palm Beach in the Fort Lauderdale-Miami metropolitan area of South Florida. Matlock Prep believes in the advantages of challenging and nurturing students, which we feel prepares the foundation for lifelong learning. Fundamental in our teaching is the development of independent thought. Encouraging thinking, imagination and creativity optimizes talent. Bright students need to have enrichment in every part of their high school curriculum through Advanced Placement and Honors courses. International students can apply to Matlock Academy's program as well. Our school is a SEVIS approved high school.

Education Programs:
- General High School curriculum:  English, Language, Science, Math, Social Studies, Holocaust
- Dual enrollment program:  With the College of Palm Beach Community College or Florida Atlantic University
- After-school tutoring
- Summer-school program
- Home-school program

Matlock Prep has a high regard for the importance of English; where an enriched curriculum is fused with classical and contemporary works. The mastery and beauty of the language is transmitted through reading, speaking, listening and writing. Math, with its myriad uses and importance, is taught and translated so students may be confident in employing it. Students can then move forward with the assurance of this knowledge at their fingertips.

- Language:
MP offers an English program which emphasizes literature in both contemporary and classic form. These two forms combined keep students' interest at a high level, thereby elevating them to achievements of which they are capable. Encouragement is given to students to participate with their reading on several levels, including language and thought. Students study spelling, vocabulary, grammar and writing. Writing consists of analytical, creative research, journals, poetry and letters.

Often the writing is in response to their reading or theme related activities. Students are encouraged to explore their creativity in individual English classes. Some are happy to read and take additional literature courses and independent study. Others are eager writers who excel in this medium. Encouragement is given with special seminars and introduction to various authors and their styles.

- Math:
At MP math is recognized as a difficult subject for many students, while others excel at it. Math requires a memorization of massive amounts of information, the organization of data in complex ways and the ability to think abstractly. The curriculum is structured so that students learn at their own pace, thereby assuring real comprehension and success.

The math program emphasizes basic skills as well as critical skills. Geometry, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Pre Calculus / Trigonometry can be taken through senior year. New material is explained to each student individually and progress is self paced. Some relevant courses are offered through the latest technology available in the MPA Computer Lab.

- Science:
Science strengthens skills people use everyday, solving problems creatively, thinking critically and working cooperatively in teams. Students must take earth/space science, biology, and marine, ecology or environmental science. Beyond the requirements, physics and chemistry may be taken, particularly if they intend on entering a field in which the sciences play a major role.

Students are encouraged to become aware of the world in scientific ways through current events, videos, and the Internet. MP is meeting the demands of future employers by preparing students who are well versed in these content areas required by the state.

- Social Studies:
Our social studies focus on U.S. History, World History and Civics. Students need to have a firm base regarding their country, including the pros and cons of the society they live in currently, the past history of that society and the potential future for themselves, their families, and their social interaction. Additionally, world geography and history round out a student's knowledge requirement for the High School curriculum.

Seniors must take a full year of economics, which they learn through experiential lessons for relevancy. The Social Studies core represents an excellent opportunity for students to study as well as question the world around them, the global village, and their immediate community.

- Foreign Language & Electives:
A minimum of two consecutive years of foreign language must be taken for graduation, as well as electives in the arts and physical education. MP offers varied electives such as Computer, Water Sports, 20th Century Culture, Stress Reduction, SAT Prep, and Study Skills. These are among the outstanding programs students can choose from in order to fulfill the elective requirements for the Florida High School diploma.

- Teaching About The Holocaust:
In 1994, the state of Florida required all school districts to teach the history of the Holocaust in a manner that leads to understanding the ramifications of prejudice and encourages tolerance. Florida is one of six states to require Holocaust education. The School District of Palm Beach County, composed of more than 200 schools, now serves as a model for other districts across the country looking to implement similar programs.