Ina A. Colen Academy is a tuition-free public charter school of choice located in the Calesa Township Community in Marion County, Florida. Founded in 2020, Ina A. Colen Academy serves students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Please take a moment to explore our website to learn more about our school.
OUR BUILDING PROCESS
Check out the site development of how our academy was built!
OUR VISION
Ina A. Colen Academy educates the hearts and minds of students and families in an environment where everyone belongs, works together, and thrives.
OUR MISSION
Ina A. Colen Academy will cultivate passionate learners in an inclusive school community in which individuality and diversity are valued and students develop understanding and empathy for others through collaboration and active learning.
OUR CORE VALUES
INCLUSIVITY
We seek to create a school community that reflects the diversity of Marion County. Through a school culture that celebrates and respects differences while acknowledging the commonalities that bind us together as a community, our goal is for students, families, and staff to feel connected to and value their own and others’ identities, stories, and lives.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
We understand the importance of families in the development of our students. Our school is a welcoming place that encourages families to be active partners in their children’s development. Outreach, support, and educational opportunities are integral to the school’s program.
CONSTRUCTIONIST APPROACH
We believe individuals construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. This approach is evident throughout the IACA program, from project-based learning across academic areas to student dialogue circles focused on social and emotional learning.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Social responsibility begins with taking responsibility for ones’ own actions and having the courage to act on one’s beliefs. Consideration of the consequences of a person’s or institution’s acts as they affect other people and the environment is integrated throughout the curriculum and educational program.
MEET OUR PRINCIPAL
Annie Avery is the Principal of the Ina A. Colen Academy. She has served for over twenty-five years in early childhood, elementary, specific learning disabilities, and gifted education throughout Florida. Most currently, Avery has worked in administration at the high school level. Knowing she always wanted to work with children, she completed her undergraduate studies at Florida Southern College. Avery also earned two Master’s degrees. One from Florida State University in Early Childhood Education and another from Western Governors University in Educational Leadership. She has one daughter who attends the University of Florida. In her free time, Avery enjoys horseback riding and paddle boarding. Avery aims to cultivate a well-respected school where families and students feel at home during their educational journey.
STILL HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Please direct any further inquiries about the school to the
contact below or by filling out our contact form.