Welcome to the English Department at Sarasota Military Academy! Albert Einstein once stated that it is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. As Chairman of the English Department at SMA, I have the great pleasure of working with a group of professionals who embody this philosophy and whose love of language and literature is surpassed only by their love for the students entrusted to their care. Beyond providing content-based instruction, every member of our Department is committed to stimulating critical thinking, nurturing growth at all levels of development, and expressing compassion during these critical years of adolescence and young adulthood. It is our goal and desire that interest in the language arts be revived in a new generation of young people that have been drawn away or otherwise distracted by the technological advancements of our modern world.

We believe that the art of communication, be it through the spoken or written word, will always serve as the basic foundation for all great societies. You need look no further than the Declaration of Independence to appreciate this principle. The pen is not only “mightier than the sword,” it has the power to survive centuries and inspire generations beyond its intended audience. In fact, in today’s world, where millions can be reached by satellite networks through the touch of a button, the power of verbal and written communication is unparalleled. As a result, language and technology have a symbiotic relationship that necessitates increased nurturing and integration, not isolation and separation.

If you are visiting this site as the parent of an SMA cadet, we hope that you will join us in our endeavor to improve the literacy skills of all of our students. By encouraging independent reading at home on a daily basis, as well as volunteering your time to help a struggling reader at school, you can help make a positive difference in the lives of a generation of young people that will one day lead the nation. Let us hope that, one day, these future graduates of SMA will spread the message of democracy as eloquently as our forefathers and inspire freedom of expression around the world.