Santa Ana’s newest high school, The Academy (now called the Samueli Academy), had their grand opening on August 22, 2013 welcoming 129 freshmen. More than 250 members of the community, supporters and parents attended the occasion. Supported by the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, The Academy serves both foster children and children from the surrounding community.
PlanNet who has roots as a supporter of the Orangewood Children’s Foundation has helped take this school from merely a concept to a reality. PlanNet has provided pro-bono work during the implementation phase of the project and is spearheading the schools’ technology efforts.
Initially the PlanNet team performed a technology assessment of their communications technology, voice, security, and audio visual system needs. This was followed by creating detailed drawings for their class rooms, and administrative and residential buildings in conjunction with LPA Architects. Currently, PlanNet is working on Phase 1 and Phase 2 installations of the schools’ temporary buildings until plans for permanent structures are implemented.
The Academy as part of its curriculum emphasizes studies in STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and math using a project based learning approach. Their goal is to provide a well-rounded education to foster and educationally at-risk children.
