On the Summit’s Horizon: Smith Academy for Excellence
By Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer
“The people who touch the lives of our scholars and their families daily are the ones who make the biggest difference in each of their lives. Our people are what makes us effective,” said, Thomas Smith affectionately known as Mr. Smith #1 to the students and staff at Smith Academy for Excellence.
The elder Smith is a lifelong educator with over 45 years of experience. Smith has the distinction of being the first Black Head Coach (Elmhurst Trojans, 1983) in the history of Fort Wayne Community Schools.
SAFE has been in operation since 2012. The all-male public charter school is a vision of Cameron Smith, the elder Smith’s son and referred to as Mr. Smith #3.
Only 12% of Black males are proficient in reading by 8th grade. In 2019, only 6% of 12th-grade Black males were reading at the proficient level, and only 1% were reading at the advanced level. (Successful Black Parenting Staff 2023)
SAFE is working diligently to improve these dismal statistics. Erin Smith, who teaches Language Arts, Social Studies and is an intervention specialist for special education students shared that “she recognizes the potential, gives them challenges and the support necessary to master the skill or lesson.” Smith had the privilege of working with Mr. Thomas Smith in the days prior to Smith Academy. “He was such a brilliant mind regarding the sociology of public schools. He has great instincts on how to reform a child. Always willing to do what is best for kids. Therefore, I leaped at the opportunity to be a part of this educational movement. I have been here since the beginning.”
SAFE recently move to a new location after spending the first 12 years at St. John Lutheran which is in downtown Fort Wayne on Washington Blvd. The school is now at 1819 Reservation Drive, close to the Waynedale section of the city. Erin Smith stated, “It is one step closer to the vision of the three young men. A Herculean step toward our goal. I literally jumped up and down when the move was announced.”
“Our new location affords us the opportunity to expand our reach and have the ability to impact even more lives with the truly unique and personalized education we offer at Smith Academy. We are driven by the urgency to fulfill the mission the Lord has placed inside of us; to be a part of revolutionizing the southside of Fort Wayne, by developing scholars of character, for leadership and service said, Cameron Smith.
Smith Academy’s goal was to move to the former site of East Allen County’s Village Woods Middle School at 2700 East Maple Grove. Cameron Smith was asked if 1919 Reservation Drive is in preparation of the larger move.
“I truly believe that everything we've done to this point has been in preparation for the great move of whatever is best for our community and for our families. For the time being, that move has been to relocate to 1919 Reservation Drive. The next year or 5-10 years it could be 2700 E. Maple Grove. I have learned to try not to think too much in terms of what our next physical move should be. 2700 E. Maple Grove has most certainly been our goal and desired permanent location, yes. However, I think we have always been careful to focus on whatever the best immediate decisions are that yield the greatest amount of good for our community.”
In addition to a new location, SAFE is offering the following sports: Cross Country, Basketball, Track and Field and Wrestling as the newest. The school is looking to add golf next year and football in the future. In addition to the sports, every middle and high school student is a member of two clubs per semester. The clubs include Spanish, Strategic Gaming, Service and Fine Arts. SAFE students also have dual credit (earning college and high school credit simultaneously) opportunities with Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne Warsaw and Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW).
When asked about the challenges of operating SAFE, Corey Smith shared that “getting the word out” remains an issue. “The goal is that everyone is aware of what we offer in Northeast Indiana.”
“I am a part of a family legacy. Learning to lead along side my Dad and Brother. We have a team that does a great job. Our students can learn a lot by observing our staff. Our staff members emulate what it looks like to be professional, consistent and caring.”
“We look for people who are genuine. Character is a must; staff must be willing to work in a team-focused atmosphere and have the inherent desire to help kids and families. We are truly a family-oriented environment.”
Corey Smith who is a graduate of Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana has continued the relationship with his alma mater. Grace College has been the Higher Education Authorizer for SAFE since its inception in 2012. According to Corey Smith, “Grace has done a fabulous job supporting us. We have been extended a 15-year contract for renewal because of our student’s academic achievement and staff’s exemplary performance. We are the first in Indiana to receive this distinction.” It is possible due to a new state law that allows authorizers to issue extended contracts to schools that meet authorizers' renewal standards. (Beck 2023)
Corey Smith shared that “students and families must be comfortable with each other”. The staff members must be in the profession for the right reasons which is the advice he would give to any aspiring educator.
Aubrey Bryan is a Math Teacher in her third year at SAFE. Bryan teaches grades 6-12 and made a career change to take the job. She formerly worked in Community Relations for the Fort Wayne Komets. “I am inspired by the kids who persevere through things and show up daily. In reference to the new building, I am excited about the potential for growth and that students have more space to move. The building feels safe and is more like a school. Plus, the air conditioning is nice. Bryan is an alum of the University of Saint Francis and holds a baccalaureate degree in Health/Exercise Science and a master’s in business administration (MBA).
Bryan was recruited by Erin Smith and Thomas Smith was her high school principal. “My classroom is always a safe space for children.”
Travis Wilcoxson is an administrative aide that supports the school leaders and has been with SAFE for 4.5 years. “I believe in the programs and the system.” Wilcoxson has found that the move is a better tool to take care of current students and facilitate more students.
Corey Smith shared that SAFE is currently serving Grades 3-12 with plans to expand to include lower grade levels and incorporating a girls’ school component. SAFE current enrollment is 70 students.
Wilcoxson whose responsibilities include discipline and conduct, works fervently to guide the students in the discovery of where they got it wrong and how to fix it. “I foster a duality of being fun and about business. I want the students to remember me as one whom they could trust and depend. They will remember me as being a consistent influence who cared. There were fun and firm moments.”
Steve Snodgrass who serves as the Assistant School Leader knew the passion of the Smith Family for the community. “There was a job opening at the right time.”
“The building makes a difference. It is a more comfortable learning environment. When a student has a great experience, he/she will be more willing to learn.” said, Snodgrass.
When asked about the Snodgrass Legacy, “I want the students to look back on something positive that they learned from me. Keep making one life better until we impact the one who can impact many.”
“Personally, the greatest lesson I’ve learned over the last 12 years has been simply trusting the Lord’s timing and provision. We have been faithful to trust His direction and path for our academy. I’ve been anxious to get the project at 2700 E. Maple Grove property completed just like everyone else. However, over the years I have developed a certain level of peace knowing that what we do, how we do it and the families we work with are what matters. A new building and that location is great, but what ultimately matters are being faithful to the mission, our families, and the community we serve, regardless of physical location.” Said Cameron Smith.
For more information about SAFE, you can visit the website: Smith Academy For Excellence | Fort Wayne; (260)579-6939.