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{{short description|Public secondary school in Tallahassee, Florida, United States}}
{{coord|30.435483|-84.316963|type:edu_region:US-FL|display=title}}
{{Infobox school
{{Infobox school
| name = SAIL high school
| name = SAIL High School
| native_name =
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| logo = Sail logo framed.jpg
| logo = Sail logo framed.jpg
| logo_size = 180px
| motto = "Where the individual counts"
| established = 1975
| established = 1975
| closed =
| closed =
| type = Alternative public secondary magnet
| type = [[State school#United States|Public]] [[secondary school]]<ref name=NCES/>
| status =
| status =
| category_label =
| category =
| gender_label =
| gender =
| affiliation =
| affiliations =
| administrator =
| asst_admin =
| president =
| chairman_label =
| chairman =
| rector =
| principal = <!-- not without a source -->
| principal = <!-- not without a source -->
| teaching_staff = 20.13 (FTE)<ref name=NCES/>
| asst principal =
| ratio = 19.08<ref name=NCES/>
| campus_director =
| enrollment = 384 (2022-23)<ref name=NCES>{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=1201110&SchoolPageNum=4&ID=120111001178|title=SAIL|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref>
| headmaster =
| head_name = Second Master
| grades = 9-12<ref name=NCES/>
| head =
| head_name2 = Assistant Headmaster
| head2 =
| dean =
| founder =
| chaplain =
| officer_in_charge =
| faculty =
| teaching_staff = 25.00 (FTE)<ref name=NCES/>
| ratio = 15.64<ref name=NCES/>
| enrollment = 391 (2017-18)<ref name=NCES>{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=1201110&SchoolPageNum=4&ID=120111001178|title=SAIL|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|accessdate=November 24, 2019}}</ref>
| grades_label =
| grades = 9-12
| streetaddress = 2006 Jackson Bluff Road
| streetaddress = 2006 Jackson Bluff Road
| city = [[Tallahassee, Florida|Tallahassee]]
| city = [[Tallahassee, Florida|Tallahassee]]
| state = [[Florida]]
| state = [[Florida]]
| province =
| zipcode =
| country = [[United States|USA]]
| country = U.S.
| coordinates =
| coordinates = {{coord|30.435483|-84.316963|type:edu_region:US-FL|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| latitude =
| district = [[Leon County Schools]]
| longitude =
| colors = Black and gold
| district = [[Leon County, Florida|Leon County]]
| nickname = Pirates
| website = [https://www.leonschools.net/SAIL https://www.leonschools.net/SAIL]
| oversight =
| accreditation =
| campus =
| colors = Black and Gold
| colours =
| athletics =
| houses =
| student_union =
| nickname =
| mascot = The [[Pirates]]
| free_label =
| free_text =
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| yearbook =
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| free_1 =
| free_label_2 =
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| free_label_3 =
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| test_name =
| test_average =
| national_ranking =
| website = [http://www.sail.leon.k12.fl.us sail.leon.k12.fl.us]
| footnotes =
| picture =
| picture_caption =
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}}
}}


'''SAIL High School''' is a small public secondary school and a major [[liberal arts]] [[magnet school]] located in [[Tallahassee, Florida|Tallahassee]], [[Florida]]. The school was formerly known as "School for Applied Individualized Learning" and is now called "A School for Arts and Innovative Learning".<ref>[http://www.sail.leon.k12.fl.us/ Welcome to SAIL High School's website<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060118124848/http://www.sail.leon.k12.fl.us/ |date=2006-01-18 }}</ref> SAIL was founded in 1975, partially with the assistance of its former principal, Tallahassee-based education advocate and later Leon County School Board member Rosanne Wood.
'''SAIL High School''', also known as '''School for Arts and Innovative Learning'''<ref name="leonschools.net">{{Cite web|url=https://www.leonschools.net/Page/34848|title = About Us / Letter from the Principal|website=Leonschools.net}}</ref> and formerly '''School for Applied Individualized Learning''',<ref name="ascd.org">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ascd.org/publications/classroom-leadership/oct1998/SAIL.aspx |title=SAIL |access-date=2019-12-20 |archive-date=2019-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220032554/http://www.ascd.org/publications/classroom-leadership/oct1998/SAIL.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> is a [[State school#United States|public]] [[secondary school]], serving grades 9-12 for the [[Leon County Schools]] in [[Tallahassee, Florida]]. A [[magnet school]], it has a focus on arts and applied humanities.


==Programs and magnet school status==
SAIL emphasizes [[free speech]] and learning through [[creativity]], and has an academic focus on the various disciplines of the [[humanities]], particularly the [[Visual Arts|visual]] and [[Performing Arts|performing]] arts.<ref>https://www.leonschools.net/Page/32385</ref>. In addition to its primary focus on creative pursuits, SAIL also provides [[experiential learning]] opportunities for students interested in [[STEM education]] and [[community service]] activities.
The school is a magnet school,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fun4tallykids.com/Education-Childcare/Magnet-Programs/Sail-High-School-Magnet-Program/View-details|title = Sail High School Magnet Program|website=Fun4tallykids.com}}</ref> with a focus on arts and applied humanities<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.leonschools.net/Page/32385|title = About Us / History of SAIL|website=Leonschools.net}}</ref> and an individualized approach to education.<ref name="leonschools.net"/><ref name="sailhighfoundation.org">{{Cite web|url=https://sailhighfoundation.org/history/|title=The History of SAIL &#124; SAIL Alumni Foundation|website=Sailhighfoundation.org|access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref> The school is also known for its extracurricular robotics program,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtxl.com/lifestyle/tsaparis-tscience-sail-high-school-robotics-competition/article_2d297aa2-82fa-11e5-bb80-471fcb184af7.html|title = Tsaparis Tscience: SAIL High School Robotics Competition|website=Wtxl.com|date = 4 November 2015}}</ref> which is sponsored by a grant from Envision Credit Union.<ref>{{cite AV media| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/U6TvXmpAfRs| archive-date = 2021-12-11| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6TvXmpAfRs| title = SAIL High School Classroom Grant {{!}}{{!}} Jasun Burdick {{!}}{{!}} Envision Credit Union | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The school also has a [[juggling]] program, which is credited as the inspiration for the introductory juggling course held at [[Appalachian State University]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.appstate.edu/~zimmerbw/juggling/|title=JCA|website=Appstate.edu|access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref>


The school has an open admissions policy, in which the names of interested students are placed on a waiting list until a seat becomes available.<ref name="ascd.org"/>
The school typically has a population of anywhere between 300 and 500 students and a substantial waiting list of students from other [[Leon County, Florida|Leon County]] schools who wish to enroll. The school is known for high [[graduation]] rates and a very low [[Dropping out|dropout]] rate.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}


During the Spring term of each school year, traditional classes are suspended for one week, during which students take workshop courses of their choice, known as intensives. Intensives can include either group trips to other U.S. states or territories (featuring activities such as camping and visiting national parks, including in such locations as Puerto Rico) or on-campus activities (such as film studies discussions, community volunteering, and technology projects). Some students (with special permission) can design their own intensive and report back on their experiences.<ref name="leonschools.net"/>
SAIL was the first winner of the [[College Board]] Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts in the southern region,<ref>http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/114681849.html</ref> and was recognized by former governor [[Jeb Bush]] for achieving the highest Science [[Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test|FCAT]] scores in Leon County. Additionally, the school was recognized as a Bronze Medalist in state exam performance by the U.S. News Best High School Rankings in 2017.<ref>https://tallahasseereports.com/2017/04/28/two-leon-county-high-schools-receive-usnews-gold-medal-designation/</ref>

The primary criteria necessary for admission to SAIL is a stated desire on the student's part for a creative, nontraditional learning environment.


==History==
==History==
SAIL High School was founded in 1975 as the Alternative Learning Center. By 1978, the school had changed its name to the School for Applied Individualized Learning, and by 1981, the school had gained full accreditation. It was the first alternative high school in Florida to earn full academic accreditation status.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tallahasseearts.org/|title=Home|website=Tallahassee Arts Guide|access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref>
When SAIL was founded in 1975, it was intended for students from grades 7–12 who found that they had difficulty achieving success in other public high schools. The school was brought up in such a way in Rosanne Wood's 1989 article "SAIL: A Pioneer For Schools of Choice in Florida", printed in the book ''Public Schools by Choice'',<ref>http://www.sail.leon.k12.fl.us/rosi/rosi-book.html</ref> and later reprinted online by the [[Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development]]. The article described students who showed academic potential but struggled with a variety of personal issues including [[psychological disorders]] and [[self harm]] that caused them to have difficulties in the social settings provided by mainstream public high schools.<ref>http://www.ascd.org/publications/classroom-leadership/oct1998/SAIL.aspx</ref> These were implied to be the students for whom SAIL High School was initially founded.
As of 1984, SAIL High School had approximately 140 students.<ref name="youtube.com">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/IsHSieKnh60 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211241/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsHSieKnh60 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsHSieKnh60| title = "Southern Circuit: 119" {{!}} WFSU-TV (1984) | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In the early 1990s, SAIL High School served as a magnet school for [[environmental science]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tallahasseemagazine.com/1990-sail-different-students-different-school/|title = 1990: SAIL—Different Students, Different School|date = 20 July 2012}}</ref> In 1990, [[Al Gore]] visited the school to express his support for environmental education programs.<ref>{{cite AV media| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/B6Hr-UNbTa8| archive-date = 2021-12-11| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6Hr-UNbTa8| title = Al Gore visits SAIL High School in Tallahassee (early 1990s) | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Current Leon County School Board member Rosanne Wood was SAIL's longest-serving Principal. Wood served from 1978 to 2010,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rosannewood.com/bio/|title = About|website=Rosannewood.com|date = 3 June 2015}}</ref> replacing a previous principal who had moved to [[Saudi Arabia]].<ref name="youtube.com"/> During her time as principal, Wood advocated for an approach to education rooted in activism and [[direct democracy]],<ref name="youtube.com"/> and conceptualized SAIL as serving the unmet needs of students who felt disenfranchised by other public schools.<ref name="ascd.org"/> She was later succeeded by Dave Crandall<ref name="auto"/> and subsequently by Tiffany Williams (''nee'' Thomas),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2014/02/25/leon-county-schools-employs-high-percentage-of-black-principals-when-compared-to-state-and-nation/5816645/|title=Leon County Schools employs high percentage of black principals when compared to state and nation|first=Jordan|last=Culver|website=Tallahassee Democrat|access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2021/06/07/leon-schools-announces-six-new-principals-2021-2022-school-year-billy-epting-leon-high/7583413002/|title = School leadership changes: Michael Bryan named Leon High principal; Billy Epting promoted|website=Tallahassee.com}}</ref> who was the first black woman to serve as principal of SAIL. As of 2021, Matt Roberson serves as the school's principal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.leonschools.net/domain/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leonschools.net%2Fsite%2Fdefault.aspx%3FDomainID%3D8756|title=Administration / Administrative Staff|website=Leonschools.net|access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref>
However, SAIL gradually evolved into a magnet school of choice for students who had average or above-average success in public school and few or no personal issues, but desired an alternative environment for any combination of reasons. Some preferred the idea of a smaller or more intellectual environment, while others wanted a school without the social isolation or excessively strict school policies found in a standard high school setting. As SAIL evolved through the late 1970s and 1980s, the school developed a higher focus on [[creativity]], and enrolled students in grades 9–12 rather than 7–12. The bean bag chairs with which it had originally been supplied were replaced by standard school chairs and long college desks at which groups of students could sit and assist each other with group projects.


From 1975 to 2007, the school was located at the former [[Old Lincoln High School]] campus. Due to the aging infrastructure, a need to accommodate a growing student population, and the desire to offer more state of the art resources for students & staff, SAIL was moved to its current campus, located at the site of a former elementary school on Jackson Bluff Road. The current location features updated electronic equipment, a black box theatre, a photography lab, and a cafeteria with a higher occupational capacity than that at the prior location.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tallahasseemagazine.com/1990-sail-different-students-different-school|title=1990: SAIL—Different Students, Different School|website=Tallahasseemagazine.com|date=20 July 2012}}</ref> In 2016, the school added a new gymnasium.<ref>{{cite AV media| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/-PWeGiMCRzw| archive-date = 2021-12-11| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PWeGiMCRzw| title = SAIL Opens New Gymnasium | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Over the years, as the culture and scope of the student body evolved, SAIL underwent such changes as switching the school colors from rainbow to black & gold; the mascot from the SAIL Unicorns to the SAIL Pirates; the school motto from "where the individual counts" to "where artists thrive." In 2007, in recognition of its changed purpose, SAIL changed its official name from "School for Applied Individualized Learning" to "School for Arts and Innovative Learning."


As of April 26, 2022, the Leon County School Board had unanimously voted to demolish the three principal buildings belonging to SAIL's original Macomb Street campus,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://tallahasseereports.com/2022/04/27/leon-county-school-board-meeting-notes-april-26-2022/ | title=Leon County School Board Meeting Notes April 26, 2022|website=Tallahasseereports.com | date=27 April 2022 }}</ref> citing environmental concerns such as the presence of [[asbetos]], which rendered the buildings non-reusable.<ref>[https://www.leonschools.net/cms/lib/FL01903265/Centricity/Domain/195/CONSTRUCTION/5692-2023%20Demolition%20and%20Abatement%20of%20Old%20SAIL/Bid%205692-2023%20Old%20Sail%20Demolition.pdf] {{dead link|date=July 2022}}</ref> The demolition took place later that same year.
In the 2010s, SAIL gradually added more [[STEAM Education]] elements to its approach to teaching liberal arts subjects. Precedent already existed in programs such as SAIL's game design class and electronic music studio that integrated creative output in the Humanities with [[technological literacy]]. Further developments during this time period included the establishment of an extracurricular student robotics team also trained in the art of juggling.


==Student life, activities, and events==
SAIL's longtime principal Rosanne Wood, who had begun serving in her role in 1978<ref>http://www.ascd.org/publications/classroom-leadership/oct1998/SAIL.aspx</ref>, retired in December of 2010. Wood later ran for and was elected to the Leon County school board in 2016,<ref>https://news.wfsu.org/post/rocky-hanna-rosanne-wood-sworn-leon-county-school-posts</ref> and remained in the position throughout the late 2010s and into the early 2020s. Wood's fellow co-founder and assistant principal Dave Crandall served as principal until the start of the 2011 school year, after which current principal Tiffany Thomas began to serve.
SAIL High School has hosted a number of guest speakers and performers at events exclusive to SAIL students, faculty, and staff. These have included film directors and sound artists, as well as writers, musicians, and local elected officials. Notable guests have included [[Reggae]] artist [[Pato Banton]], who has performed at the school.<ref>{{cite AV media| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Sr1ttN82Utk| archive-date = 2021-12-11| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr1ttN82Utk| title = Mystic Roots - Lifestyle SAIL | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


SAIL operates on block scheduling, which allows for students to focus on three classes per day instead of the traditional six. This provides more time for discussions, project-based learning, and teacher-student interaction. Students may also attend an optional 1st period that meets every school day for the traditional class time.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Sail High School at Present.jpg|thumbnail|An outside view of SAIL at its current location ]] -->


==Location and facilities==
==Recognition, statistics, and awards==
SAIL has an [[Advanced Placement]] participation rate of 21%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/florida/districts/leon/sail-5194 |title=Sail : #6,328 in National Rankings|website=Usnews.com|access-date=July 23, 2022}}</ref> In 2011, SAIL High School received [[the College Board]]'s first national award for innovation in the arts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://coca.tallahasseearts.org/blog/entry/sail-high-school-receives-college-boards-first-national-award-for-innovatio|title = SAIL High School Receives College Board's First National Award for Innovation in the Arts &#124; COCA|website=Coca.tallahasseearts.org}}</ref> In 2017, SAIL High School received a Bronze Medal designation for state exam performance from the U.S. News Best High School Rankings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tallahasseereports.com/2017/04/28/two-leon-county-high-schools-receive-usnews-gold-medal-designation/|title = Two Leon County High Schools Receive USNews Gold Medal Designation|website=Tallahasseereports.com|date = 28 April 2017}}</ref>
Since 1975, the school had been located at 725 N. Macomb Street in Tallahassee, at the former campus of [[Old Lincoln High School]].


As of 2021, more than one SAIL High School student had received a scholarship from LeMoyne Arts in recognition of their creative work.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/life/chronicle/2021/03/30/lemoyne-arts-awards-4-150-scholarships-young-artists/7037724002/|title = LeMoyne Arts awards $4,150 in scholarships to young artists|website=Tallahassee.com}}</ref>
In 2007, due to the aging of the building, as well as the desire to provide newer resources and to accommodate the growing student population, SAIL made its official move to the campus previously occupied by the Caroline Brevard Elementary School on Jackson Bluff Road. This current location exists in closer proximity to both [[Tallahassee Community College]] and [[Florida State University]].

The remodeled current campus includes a black box theatre, tailoring room, music studio, science laboratories, art room, drama lab, darkroom, and a variety of physical education facilities. Many of these features were absent from the original campus. In an attempt to retain some of the school's old-school feel, the original [[gazebo]] from the old campus was reassembled, and moved to the new location. In 2017, a new gymnasium was built to enhance the Basketball program and other classes.

SAIL now also has an Iraq War memorial fountain dedicated to SAIL alumnus Julian Woodall, who died in combat while serving in the military in Iraq.

==Academics==

===Schedule===
SAIL runs on a [[block schedule]] in which students attend their even-numbered class periods on even-numbered days of the month and their odd-numbered class periods on odd-numbered days of the month. This does not apply to first period, which students must attend daily .<ref>https://www.leonschools.net/domain/3957</ref>

One SAIL tradition is that during second and third period, fifteen minutes are allotted to allowing students to read a book, preferably a narrative text, of their choice. These fifteen minutes are known as Word Up.<ref>https://www.leonschools.net/domain/6903</ref>

===Electives===
In addition to elective art, drama, music and social science classes, some popular electives at SAIL have typically included [[gardening]], [[mythology]], [[Olympic weightlifting|weightlifting]], [[juggling]], [[T'ai chi ch'uan|t'ai chi]], [[Yoga]], [[Game programming|programming]], and [[game design]]. SAIL is unique in that it allows students to enroll in juggling or Yoga classes in order to fulfill the [[physical education]] requirement for graduation.

===Dual enrollment===
SAIL allows students to dually enroll at other high schools to take electives or participate in extracurricular activities not offered at SAIL: for example, if a student wishes to participate in activities such as football or JROTC that are not offered at SAIL, they may choose to dually enroll at the school they are zoned for to participate in those programs. Juniors and seniors at SAIL who have taken and passed the CPT may also dually enroll at local colleges, such as Florida State University, [[Florida A&M University]] and [[Tallahassee Community College]]. However, if a student is unable to provide transportation, SAIL offers [[dual enrollment]] courses on its own campus. These include college-level classes in [[psychology]], [[sociology]], [[microeconomics]], [[Central government|national government]], algebra, liberal arts, math, and [[photography]], as well as both college English composition requirements. The dual enrollment classes offered at SAIL allow students to complete Tallahassee Community College's [[communications]] requirement, as well as part of the [[mathematics]] and [[social science]] requirements. SAIL does not yet offer dual enrollment classes which fulfill the [[science]] and [[humanities]] requirements. Each dual enrollment course is worth three college credit hours, and it is possible for a student at SAIL to complete as many as 24 college credit hours tuition-free directly through their high school campus. In order to accomplish this a student must plan his or her schedule extremely carefully with the supervision of a guidance counselor, and should take the CPT as early as possible.

===Intensives===
In addition to a variety of other school events, every year, in a tradition unique to SAIL, traditional classes are suspended and students are required to take week-long [[experiential learning]] [[workshop]] classes known as Intensives in the spring. The topics explored range from [[cultural studies]] and [[community service]] to [[film studies]] and outdoor activities such as [[sailing]] and [[camping]]. Other topics include [[STEM education]] and sports such as [[bicycling]] and [[Disc Golf]].<ref>https://www.leonschools.net/Page/29764</ref>

Intensives may take place locally and/or out of state, and in the past international intensives were also offered. Out-of-state intensives have traditionally included trips to such places as [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Colorado]], [[Puerto Rico]], Washington, D.C., and [[New York (state)|New York]].

With prior approval, some students may be allowed to design their own personalized intensives and report back to their guidance counselor about their experiences.

===Service Learning and Voluntarism===
SAIL High School can be said to incorporate many elements of [[service learning]] in its emphasis on combining academics and community involvement. For example, students are allowed to enroll in a Student Aide class, which allows them to receive class credit for performing clerical duties in the school's administrative office. Similarly, the school's signature garden is tended by students in a [[gardening]] class. Students who wish to write for the school newspaper, ''The Jackson Bluff Times'', must enroll in a journalism class, which will count towards the school's English credit for graduation. Those who wish to edit and design the school yearbook must enroll in a [[Graphic Design|digital design]] class, and those who participate in [[student government]] must enroll in a student government class. Some extracurricular activities, such as [[theatre]], may also be counted towards class credit. In the 2010s, SAIL also added a regular student-run video announcement bulletin to its wide array of service learning opportunities. Students who are currently employed may count their work experience towards high school credit as well through SAIL High School's personalized DCT (Direct Career Training) program.<ref>https://www.leonschools.net/Page/32385</ref>

SAIL's emphasis on service learning and community involvement also extends heavily into a number of local volunteer activities coordinated through the school's faculty: for example, SAIL's students and faculty dedicated a work day to performing tasks in support of the [[Tallahassee Memorial Hospital]] Foundation<ref>https://www.tmh.org/-/media/files/giving/communityupdatemayjune2013.pdf?la=en</ref>, and Intensives projects have included volunteer construction assistance for organizations such as [[Habitat for Humanity]]. In addition, SAIL students have also performed volunteer work painting murals for the [[Railroad Square]] arts district.<ref>http://www.communitywalk.com/map/list/1977991?order=7910750</ref> Most volunteer activities may be counted towards the community service requirement for a Florida Bright Futures scholarship.

===Alternate exams===
SAIL allows students who have earned an A or B both semesters in any given subject to take exams in that subject early. Sometimes the exam may be the same as the regular exam taken by students who have earned lower grades, or may be an alternative to the exam, such as a brief paper or essay question.

Students who have taken alternate exams are allowed to be absent from the classes in which they are exempt from exams during the days when regular exams take place.

==Student life==

===Student body===
SAIL High School has tradtionally prided itself on its focus on individuality, creativity, and free speech, more so than in many other public high schools. The school has long been known for having a large percentage of its student body involved in the [[Goth subculture|gothic]], [[Punk subculture|punk]], [[Hardcore punk|hardcore]], [[emo]], and [[hippie]] subcultures and their associated artistic and aesthetic movements. In Rosanne Wood's description of students who are a good fit for SAIL or benefit from the school's culture, an alternative subcultural identity and aesthetic are acknowledged almost immediately: one of the first examples Wood gives is of a student who "wore black and sported a strange hairstyle"<ref>http://www.ascd.org/publications/classroom-leadership/oct1998/SAIL.aspx</ref>. Wood also refers to the popularity of the Tallahassee-based [[punk rock]] band Hated Youth among SAIL students, inferring that SAIL appeals to students who identify with the band's message and ideas.<ref>http://www.ascd.org/publications/classroom-leadership/oct1998/SAIL.aspx</ref>
It is also fairly common for SAIL students to openly identify as LGBT+, and SAIL has typically offered a much higher level of support to LGBT students than other public schools. With its wide range of lifestyles, SAIL cultivates a highly respectful and accepting student body that has historically been very active in the Tallahassee and [[Leon County, Florida|Leon County]] communities, particularly in the local arts community as well as in [[activist]] causes such as [[environmental justice]], [[LGBT rights]], and [[minority rights]]. {{Citation needed|reason=This section includes language that is speculative in nature and claims being made need a reliable source|date=July 2012}}. SAIL students have also been active in protesting against such issues as [[gun violence]].<ref>https://www.leonschools.net/domain/6903</ref> During a visit to SAIL High School, [[Al Gore]] praised students' noticeably high levels of engagement with political and particularly environmental issues, remarking that "these young people are really plugged in. They know the facts [...] and they're getting politically active, too, in both political parties."<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6Hr-UNbTa8&t=2s</ref>

===Extracurricular activities===
{{refimprove section|date=December 2019}}
SAIL offers such [[extracurricular activity|extracurricular activities]] as [[drama]], [[art]], [[photography]], [[soccer]], [[cheerleading]], [[weightlifting]], robotics club<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UV6_cHykrk</ref>, Multicultural Club, and a music ensemble with a focus on [[popular music|Rock and Roll, Pop, R&B]] and other contemporary genres.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tHpwryku7c</ref>
Interest clubs also include video club and an animation club centered on [[Japanese animation]].<ref>https://www.leonschools.net/domain/751</ref>. In the past, interest clubs such as science fiction and gaming have also been offered. Past activity clubs that are no longer offered include [[archery]], Writer's Guild, and [[Basketball]].

The music ensemble's band instruments consist of bass, keyboards, synthesizer, drums, guitars, and vocal talents. SAIL's music ensemble maintains a working relationship with local music venues and has delivered a number of live performances off-campus. In the past SAIL's music ensemble has played public shows at The Bark,<ref>https://www.leonschools.net/Page/38380</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/SAILPirates/status/1192101266920550401</ref> a local vegan-friendly<ref>https://thetab.com/us/floridastate/2018/12/06/a-vegetarians-guide-to-eating-well-in-tallahassee-10399</ref> and LGBT-friendly diner, and at All Saints Cafe, a local coffee shop known for its intellectual and countercultural atmosphere.<ref>https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/01/5-spots-for-vegan-eats-in-tallahassee.html</ref>

Although at one point they existed as separate clubs, [[robotics]] club and [[juggling]] club were merged in the 2010s, forming a syncretic student organization known as the Octo-Pirates, whose members have been interviewed in both local and national news pieces on STEM education.<ref>https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/03/01/468695376/french-spanish-german-java-making-coding-count-as-a-foreign-language</ref><ref>https://www.wtxl.com/lifestyle/tsaparis-tscience-sail-high-school-robotics-competition/article_2d297aa2-82fa-11e5-bb80-471fcb184af7.html</ref> The SAIL Octo-Pirates have collaborated with and received mentorship from scientists at the [[Florida State University]] [[National High Magnetic Field Laboratory]], colloquially known as the Mag Lab.<ref>https://nationalmaglab.org/news-events/feature-stories/robotics-club</ref>

===Events===
[[Image:Elena sail.png|thumb|right|200px|Student singing during Funky Friday]]
Major school events include theme days such as [[Halloween|Fall Festival]], Healthy Decisions Day, World Awareness Day, and schoolwide [[field trips]] including an annual outing to [[Wakulla Springs]], as well as various senior-specific events. SAIL is often visited by guest speakers who hold panels on major issues both in and outside of the community, and occasionally by visiting musicians, actors, or artists delivering a performance or exhibition. Attendance at guest lectures is often, but not always, voluntary. In the past SAIL has been visited by such notable guests as film director [[Victor Nuñez|Victor Nunez]], former Vice President (then Senator) [[Al Gore]],<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6Hr-UNbTa8&fbclid=IwAR3omlO4ScETzR7Xf0mdSxnXd95i8h_h8z5m9ig53ds0lg0y_65hESk_7-s</ref> speechwriter and local politician Bob Rackleff (the speechwriter for two cabinet level officials during the [[Obama Administration]]), British [[Reggae]] artist [[Pato Banton]], and the Californian reggae band Mystic Roots.

SAIL has also historically had a weekly student talent show known as Funky Friday, during which students who have signed up in advance may deliver rehearsed theatre scenes, perform music, or demonstrate other talents such as stand-up comedy, juggling, or dance.

===Support groups===
SAIL offers [[support groups]] for students struggling with personal social or psychological issues such as [[sexual identity]], [[anger management]], [[Clinical depression|depression]], building and maintaining relationships, or developing [[social skills]]. At one point in SAIL's history, students were required to attend mandatory meetings for their choice of support group.

===Dress code===
SAIL, because of its emphasis on [[freedom of expression]], does not have an official dress code, and as long as no hateful or threatening messages are featured students may freely wear clothing or accessories that allude to their religious or political affiliation, as well as to their favorite musical artists or entertainment media. However, articles of clothing that are considered directly offensive are not allowed. This is typically limited to offensive language, depictions of violence, or sexual subjects, such as those sometimes found on graphic tee shirts.

===Free Speech Board===

SAIL has historically had a physical bulletin board known as the "Free Speech Board" located between the front office and school cafeteria on which students may post content such as concert fliers, newspaper clippings, advertisements, and petitions, separate from school-sanctioned announcements.

==Faculty==
SAIL's faculty are very active in the local community, and teachers include at least one recipient of a grant from the Council on Culture and Arts<ref>https://coca.tallahasseearts.org/blog/entry/sail-theater-program-students-build-people-skills-along-with-sets</ref>. Many coordinate local volunteer activities and many participate in Tallahassee's local art and music scenes. SAIL faculty often teach multiple subjects in different disciplines, reflecting a commitment to a broad liberal arts focus that exists as much among faculty as among students. Several faculty are qualified to teach at the college as well as high school level, allowing them to contribute more easily to SAIL's dual enrollment programs by teaching on-campus classes to SAIL students that carry credit towards a degree at [[Tallahassee Community College]].

==Standards and reputation==

Due to its innovative learning programs and cultured, collegial environment, admission to SAIL is somewhat competitive. The school has traditionally been selective. Admission is determined by a student's character, career goals, and intellectual prowess. These are assessed through an admissions essay<ref>https://www.leonschools.net/RegisterAtSAIL</ref> and an interview with SAIL's administrative staff. Students who are admitted and fail to comply with SAIL's behavioral policies and/or academic standards are placed on an Exit List.

While some people in Tallahassee are familiar with SAIL and its purpose, those unfamiliar with the school sometimes have preconceived notions about its status as an [[alternative school]]. Many people believe the school is only for drop-outs, the disabled, or "bad" students.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} This is largely due to the school's origins, and may also stem from the school's reputation for illicit drug use among students and its location in a low-income district of Tallahassee.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}} SAIL's students and staff are heavily active in combating these misconceptions of SAIL's culture and purpose.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}


==Alumni==
==Alumni==
A [[501c(3)]] nonprofit exists in the form of the SAIL High School Foundation, promoting alumni involvement in SAIL's future direction.<ref name="sailhighfoundation.org"/>
In addition to local Tallahassee institutions such as Florida State University and [[Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University]], SAIL alumni have both been accepted into and graduated from many prestigious colleges and universities. These include [[Bard College|Bard]], [[New College of Florida|New College]], [[Ringling College of Art and Design|Ringling]], and [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]], as well as [[Ivy League]] schools such as [[University of Pennsylvania|Penn]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sail.leon.k12.fl.us/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2006-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060118124848/http://www.sail.leon.k12.fl.us/ |archive-date=2006-01-18 |df= }}</ref> SAIL graduates have gone on to work in such fields as [[Music industry|music]], [[art]], [[publishing]], [[literature]], [[Information Technology|IT]], [[education]], [[game design]], [[cosmetology]], [[video production]], [[web design]], [[state government]], private business, [[law enforcement]], private security, and the US military at both the officer and enlisted levels.


Notable SAIL alumni include the fantasy author [[Jesse Bullington]] (also published as Alex Marshall).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2015/11/17/sail-alumnus-encourages-students-pursue-arts/75934816/|title = SAIL alumnus encourages students to pursue arts|website=Tallahassee.com}}</ref>
Additionally, SAIL High School maintains a strong alumni network in the Tallahassee area and across the United States, and many alumni report that their positive experience at SAIL helped them become more competitive and adapt more readily to the professional and academic communities than their peers who have attended traditional high schools.

Some notable SAIL alumni include:

*[[Jesse Bullington]], writer; author of several [[historical fantasy]] novels, also published as an [[epic fantasy]] author under the [[pen name]] Alex Marshall; author of ''The Folly of the World'', ''Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart'' and ''The Enterprise of Death'', as well as ''A Crown for Cold Silver'' (as Alex Marshall).
* Will Dunaway, bassist of the [[pop punk]] band [[Brightside (band)]].
*[[Christopher The Minister|Christopher Goins]], [[Alternative Music|alternative]] [[DJ]]; producer of the [[Love and Rockets (band)|Love and Rockets]] tribute album ''New Tales to Tell''; DJ for the [[satellite radio]] station [[Sirius XMU]]
*[[Jimmy Joe Roche]], filmmaker and artist


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
* [https://www.leonschools.net/sail SAIL High School]
* {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/*/http://www.sail.leon.k12.fl.us/|title=SAIL High School}}
{{Tallahassee, Florida}}
{{Tallahassee, Florida}}
{{Leon County, Florida Schools}}
{{Leon County, Florida Schools}}

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Sail High School}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sail High School}}

Latest revision as of 20:51, 24 August 2024

SAIL High School
Address
Map
2006 Jackson Bluff Road

Tallahassee
,
Florida

United States
Coordinates30°26′08″N 84°19′01″W / 30.435483°N 84.316963°W / 30.435483; -84.316963
Information
TypePublic secondary school[1]
Established1975
School districtLeon County Schools
Teaching staff20.13 (FTE)[1]
Grades9-12[1]
Enrollment384 (2022-23)[1]
Student to teacher ratio19.08[1]
Color(s)Black and gold
NicknamePirates
Websitehttps://www.leonschools.net/SAIL

SAIL High School, also known as School for Arts and Innovative Learning[2] and formerly School for Applied Individualized Learning,[3] is a public secondary school, serving grades 9-12 for the Leon County Schools in Tallahassee, Florida. A magnet school, it has a focus on arts and applied humanities.

Programs and magnet school status

[edit]

The school is a magnet school,[4] with a focus on arts and applied humanities[5] and an individualized approach to education.[2][6] The school is also known for its extracurricular robotics program,[7] which is sponsored by a grant from Envision Credit Union.[8] The school also has a juggling program, which is credited as the inspiration for the introductory juggling course held at Appalachian State University.[9]

The school has an open admissions policy, in which the names of interested students are placed on a waiting list until a seat becomes available.[3]

During the Spring term of each school year, traditional classes are suspended for one week, during which students take workshop courses of their choice, known as intensives. Intensives can include either group trips to other U.S. states or territories (featuring activities such as camping and visiting national parks, including in such locations as Puerto Rico) or on-campus activities (such as film studies discussions, community volunteering, and technology projects). Some students (with special permission) can design their own intensive and report back on their experiences.[2]

History

[edit]

SAIL High School was founded in 1975 as the Alternative Learning Center. By 1978, the school had changed its name to the School for Applied Individualized Learning, and by 1981, the school had gained full accreditation. It was the first alternative high school in Florida to earn full academic accreditation status.[10] As of 1984, SAIL High School had approximately 140 students.[11] In the early 1990s, SAIL High School served as a magnet school for environmental science.[12] In 1990, Al Gore visited the school to express his support for environmental education programs.[13]

Current Leon County School Board member Rosanne Wood was SAIL's longest-serving Principal. Wood served from 1978 to 2010,[14] replacing a previous principal who had moved to Saudi Arabia.[11] During her time as principal, Wood advocated for an approach to education rooted in activism and direct democracy,[11] and conceptualized SAIL as serving the unmet needs of students who felt disenfranchised by other public schools.[3] She was later succeeded by Dave Crandall[10] and subsequently by Tiffany Williams (nee Thomas),[15][16] who was the first black woman to serve as principal of SAIL. As of 2021, Matt Roberson serves as the school's principal.[17]

From 1975 to 2007, the school was located at the former Old Lincoln High School campus. Due to the aging infrastructure, a need to accommodate a growing student population, and the desire to offer more state of the art resources for students & staff, SAIL was moved to its current campus, located at the site of a former elementary school on Jackson Bluff Road. The current location features updated electronic equipment, a black box theatre, a photography lab, and a cafeteria with a higher occupational capacity than that at the prior location.[18] In 2016, the school added a new gymnasium.[19]

As of April 26, 2022, the Leon County School Board had unanimously voted to demolish the three principal buildings belonging to SAIL's original Macomb Street campus,[20] citing environmental concerns such as the presence of asbetos, which rendered the buildings non-reusable.[21] The demolition took place later that same year.

Student life, activities, and events

[edit]

SAIL High School has hosted a number of guest speakers and performers at events exclusive to SAIL students, faculty, and staff. These have included film directors and sound artists, as well as writers, musicians, and local elected officials. Notable guests have included Reggae artist Pato Banton, who has performed at the school.[22]

SAIL operates on block scheduling, which allows for students to focus on three classes per day instead of the traditional six. This provides more time for discussions, project-based learning, and teacher-student interaction. Students may also attend an optional 1st period that meets every school day for the traditional class time.[5]

Recognition, statistics, and awards

[edit]

SAIL has an Advanced Placement participation rate of 21%.[23] In 2011, SAIL High School received the College Board's first national award for innovation in the arts.[24] In 2017, SAIL High School received a Bronze Medal designation for state exam performance from the U.S. News Best High School Rankings.[25]

As of 2021, more than one SAIL High School student had received a scholarship from LeMoyne Arts in recognition of their creative work.[26]

Alumni

[edit]

A 501c(3) nonprofit exists in the form of the SAIL High School Foundation, promoting alumni involvement in SAIL's future direction.[6]

Notable SAIL alumni include the fantasy author Jesse Bullington (also published as Alex Marshall).[27]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "SAIL". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "About Us / Letter from the Principal". Leonschools.net.
  3. ^ a b c "SAIL". Archived from the original on 2019-12-20. Retrieved 2019-12-20.
  4. ^ "Sail High School Magnet Program". Fun4tallykids.com.
  5. ^ a b "About Us / History of SAIL". Leonschools.net.
  6. ^ a b "The History of SAIL | SAIL Alumni Foundation". Sailhighfoundation.org. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  7. ^ "Tsaparis Tscience: SAIL High School Robotics Competition". Wtxl.com. 4 November 2015.
  8. ^ SAIL High School Classroom Grant || Jasun Burdick || Envision Credit Union. YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-11.
  9. ^ "JCA". Appstate.edu. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  10. ^ a b "Home". Tallahassee Arts Guide. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  11. ^ a b c Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Southern Circuit: 119" | WFSU-TV (1984). YouTube.
  12. ^ "1990: SAIL—Different Students, Different School". 20 July 2012.
  13. ^ Al Gore visits SAIL High School in Tallahassee (early 1990s). YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-11.
  14. ^ "About". Rosannewood.com. 3 June 2015.
  15. ^ Culver, Jordan. "Leon County Schools employs high percentage of black principals when compared to state and nation". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  16. ^ "School leadership changes: Michael Bryan named Leon High principal; Billy Epting promoted". Tallahassee.com.
  17. ^ "Administration / Administrative Staff". Leonschools.net. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  18. ^ "1990: SAIL—Different Students, Different School". Tallahasseemagazine.com. 20 July 2012.
  19. ^ SAIL Opens New Gymnasium. YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-11.
  20. ^ "Leon County School Board Meeting Notes April 26, 2022". Tallahasseereports.com. 27 April 2022.
  21. ^ [1] [dead link‍]
  22. ^ Mystic Roots - Lifestyle SAIL. YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-11.
  23. ^ "Sail : #6,328 in National Rankings". Usnews.com. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  24. ^ "SAIL High School Receives College Board's First National Award for Innovation in the Arts | COCA". Coca.tallahasseearts.org.
  25. ^ "Two Leon County High Schools Receive USNews Gold Medal Designation". Tallahasseereports.com. 28 April 2017.
  26. ^ "LeMoyne Arts awards $4,150 in scholarships to young artists". Tallahassee.com.
  27. ^ "SAIL alumnus encourages students to pursue arts". Tallahassee.com.
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