ribbon cutting

Hundreds Turn Out for Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish’s Grand Opening

TERRYTOWN- Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish welcomed the community to its grand opening and ribbon cutting event on Monday, August 6 at the school’s campus at 979 Behrman Highway in Terrytown. The event, which ran from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., drew a large crowd of more than 1,000 attendees.

In attendance were future students and their families, teachers and staff, community members, and local dignitaries.

School tours, events for the children, and meet and greets took place prior to the formal program. The program included remarks from Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish board chair, Ben Bourgeois and Athlos Academies co-founder, Ryan Van Alfen; a student reading from incoming Athlos sixth-grade student, Teliyah Gilbert; and a keynote speech from James Garvey, Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education District 1 representative.

“A strong charter school can enrich the educational landscape of a community. I saw the need in our community and knew Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish would rise up to meet this need and provide our children with opportunities to achieve and grow in so many ways,” said Bourgeois. “This school was created to prepare tomorrow’s leaders and to create an environment that supports success.”

“I would like to say thank you to Athlos for coming to Louisiana. I’d like to thank them on behalf of the 1,000 parents that chose this school,” remarked Garvey. “I’d like to thank them for giving us the opportunity to choose a school like this.”

Cutting ribbon in front of the school

Grand Opening (left to right):
Kathleen Robert, Ben Bourgeois, Ryan Van Alfen, Dennis Taylor

Following the program, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place on the turf. Athlos students were able to participate in the cutting ceremony, while Bourgeois made the ceremonial cut. The evening concluded with self-guided tours and meet and greet opportunities.

Athlos Academy provides a new and unique approach to teaching and learning in Jefferson Parish.  Its mission is to provide high quality educational opportunities for the whole child built on the three foundational pillars: Prepared Mind, Healthy Body, and Performance Character. Students will participate in daily scientifically developed physical activity sessions, performance character is integrated into the culture of the school, and high academic achievement is an expectation for all students.

Athlos Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school authorized by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.  For more information, please visit www.athlosjp.org