| Martin W. Essex was the State Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1966 to 1976, as well as the president of two prestigious national organizations - the American Association of School Administrators and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Prior to his retirement in 1977, Dr. Essex was instrumental in initiating advancements in Ohio’s public education, including occupational education, career counseling, education for the
disabled, and teacher education. (Milestones: A History of the State Board of Education in Ohio 1956 -1989
Ohio State Board of Education, 1989.) The Martin W. Essex School for the Gifted was founded in 1976.
Dr. Essex believed that “a continuing concern was a way to broaden the vision of Ohio’s brightest students,” and that young people who display leadership potential deserve the opportunity to explore their abilities with the guidance of adults who have become outstanding in their fields, and through the sharing of ideas with other young leaders.
With assistance from Ohio Department of Education personnel, university faculty, and community leaders, the Essex School provides an environment that challenges high-achieving 11th grade students to prepare for a future of leadership in their careers and communities alike. Through exposure to various careers and fields of study, students have the opportunity to clarify their career interests and develop a better understanding of how their unique talents can help them in shaping a better society.
The School offers a non-competitive, supervised recreational environment that encourages students to expand their interests and explore new fields of study. Each day of the School focuses on a different theme and offers various sessions, workshops, and activities. The students select the sessions they are interested in attending throughout the week. Since time is limited and activities are planned for each day, students will not be permitted leaves of absence from the School. Students do not earn grades nor credits, but they will receive a certificate of participation at the close of the School.
In addition to the daily sessions, students are encouraged to participate in one or several of the evening group projects and recreational activities. Students may choose to contribute to the talent show that will be performed during the commencement ceremony, the student newspaper that will chronicle the Essex School and be published at the end of the week, or the student survey project that will scientifically study and report on what makes Essex students tick. |
