The National Association of University-Model® Schools
Due to its success, word of this new hybrid school spread to other cities and states. However, without a private school regulatory association, different hybrid versions also began to appear. Unfortunately, many gave less attention to their academic credibility, thus impacting long-range public school reform planning.
As a result, all descriptions and terminology initially used to describe the pilot school were refocused on its college-simulated nature. The CSL private schools that accurately represented the pilot school then joined together to form the National Association of University-Model Schools® (NAUMS). To be part of NAUMS, member schools had to be accredited by a reputable source or be in the process of accreditation.
Although this name-trademarked association, NAUMS, was officially formed in 2002 under the same organizational umbrella as the test school, NAUMS was later incorporated as its own entity on April 8, 2005. Thanks to early exposure by Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council, member private schools now stretch across the country. However, since new member schools later opened in other countries, NAUMS is now known as University-Model® Schools International (UMSI).
Today, UMSI member schools represent only a portion of private schools in America that are field-testing College-Simulated Learning (CSL) on a daily basis. There are also hundreds of non-member CSL private schools around the country that follow the same collegiate format as the original test school and that are nationally accredited.
A Great Team!
As a result, the private school landscape has changed dramatically. Similar to the pilot school, this effort also involved a large body of dedicated individuals. Leading among them were Barbara VanWart and Barbara Freeman, the two individuals whose service and determination undoubtedly led to the success of this international organization. Dr. John Turner’s important role and contribution must also be recognized. His book, Character Driven College Preparation, was instrumental in helping the public understand how a partnership between parents and teachers can be successfully implemented in a hybrid school setting.
