Chess Grandmaster Renier Gonzalez Joins Faculty At Franklin Academy

Online, February 15, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Pembroke Pines, FL- Renier Gonzalez, internationally renowned chess Grandmaster, has joined the faculty at Franklin Academy, a K-8 public charter school which will open in Pembroke Pines for the 2011-12 school year. While instructing students on the intricacies of chess, Gonzalez will help them develop a broad array of critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving skills.

A child prodigy originally from Matanzas, Cuba, Gonzalez earned the title of International Master at age 24, Grandmaster at age 34 and has won several national and international tournaments. One of only 800 Grandmasters in the world, Gonzalez is currently the second highest ranked chess player in Florida and has been a chess professor since the age of 18. He immigrated to the US in 2001 and has been a chess trainer at schools in Miami Dade and Broward Counties.

"Chess sharpens the mind and teaches students to concentrate, analyze and think ahead," said Gonzalez. "It helps promote intellectual growth and improves students' overall academic performance."

"The skills acquired by playing chess apply to many aspects of life, including planning ahead and logical thinking," said Franklin Academy Principal Brenda Cummings. "Every student will have the opportunity to learn the game. We will create an environment which fosters a love for chess and give students the opportunity to compete in local and national tournaments."

Although chess will be integrated into the curriculum for all Franklin Academy students, Gonzalez plans to form a competitive chess team at the school. According to Gonzalez, most chess programs train students how to play the game without a full understanding of the fundamentals of the game. He believes chess is a game which should be studied backwards, from the end of the game to the beginning. By learning the basic concepts in their entirety, students become better players quicker.

In fact, the skills developed while learning chess transfer into all aspects of education. Studies have shown children who learn to play chess during their elementary and middle school years demonstrate increased ability to focus during core academic classes. The game also develops analytical skills, timing and builds intellectual stamina.

Franklin Academy is a not-for-profit charter school offering a rigorous curriculum and a comprehensive program aligned with the Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards. A unique feature of the school is single-gender core curriculum classes, although students will attend co-educational social activities and enrichment programs. An extended school day, from 7:45 am to 3:30 pm, allows students and teachers more time to pursue subjects in depth. Additionally, through a sustained and integrated program of character development, Franklin students will explore a sense of community, integrity and obligations to self and the world. Other enrichment classes for all students include art, music, physical education and computer technology and research.

The inspiration for Franklin Academy was Ben Franklin himself, a founding father who personified the pursuit of excellence, discovery and creativity. Additionally, he was an innovator, had a strong sense of community and lived by his virtues of character. The school will incorporate many of these virtues into the school day.

The campus, which is located at 18800 Pines Boulevard, will include a newly built 81,000 square foot state of the art facility, athletic fields and jogging paths with exercise stations. Applications are now being accepted online at www.franklin-academy.org or at the school's Information Center at 18243 Pines Boulevard. For more information call 954-703-2294.