Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish approved to open new charter school
TERRYTOWN — Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish received approval yesterday from the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to open a new charter school on the Westbank.
“I could not be more excited to see Athlos Academy authorized by the state board today,” says Jim Garvey, the district 1 representative on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. “I’ve always been a supporter of high quality charter schools, and I look forward to continuing work with the local governing board to bring this school to the Westbank and greater Jefferson Parish area.”
Athlos Academy provides a unique approach to teaching and learning. Its mission is to provide high quality educational opportunities for children by building on three foundational pillars: Prepared Mind, Healthy Body, and Performance Character. Students will participate in daily scientifically-developed physical activity sessions, develop performance character traits, and benefit from a research-based academic curriculum that results in high academic achievement for all.
“I am proud to bring this opportunity to students where I live on the Westbank of Jefferson Parish,” says Ben Bourgeois, chair of the Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish governing board. “This school will not only impact students, it will also contribute to the economic development of the community. We’re grateful to the many local organizations that recognize this and have already offered their support.”
Athlos Academy is working with youth programs at the New Orleans Saints and First Tee to support and supplement Athlos’ one-of-a-kind Healthy Body curriculum. Additional partnerships with local area community members, churches, and business organizations—especially the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Jefferson Business Council—will also amplify the impact of this charter school in the parish.
“It is great to learn of another public school option coming to Jefferson Parish. The new campus and unique curriculum will be a great offering to students on the Westbank,” says Todd Murphy, President of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.
The school will initially serve 900 students in grades K-6. By its third year, the school will serve students in grades K-8. The school will employ approximately 100 teachers and other support staff at capacity.
While the exact location of the school is yet to be announced, the building will be approximately 90,000 square feet, including state-of-the-art classrooms and fully-equipped indoor physical fitness centers with both hardwood court and turf field space.
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools open to all students. More information about student enrollment will be forthcoming.
To learn more about Athlos Academies, the education service provider, please visit https://athlosacademies.org/ »
