NEW ORLEANS – The New Beginnings Schools Foundation (NBSF) Board voted to move forward with plans to consolidate Gentilly Terrace Charter School and Pierre A. Capdau Charter School and move both charter schools to the Avery Alexander site located at 5800 Saint Roch Ave. in Gentilly for the 2017-2018 academic school year.
“I am honored to do this work and I'm grateful to the New Beginnings board for supporting the recommendation of merger,” Michelle Blouin-Williams, CEO of NBSF, said. “A new building is an investment like no other, it is an investment in the future of our children and our community. Bringing our students together in a new learning environment supports our mission to innovatively prepare every child, every day for success in life, college and career.”
The measure will allow Gentilly Terrace students to remain in the Gentilly neighborhood and have the opportunity to attend school at a new state-of-the art facility, located only 1.2 miles from the current Gentilly Terrace school site, NBSF reps said. The consolidation will allow for students from both schools to receive an education in a 21st Century Learning Community.
“When reaching any decision, as a board, we always consider what is in the best interest of our students, relative to academics, finances facilities and safety,” Leslie Bouie, NBSF Board Chair, said. “This merger will yield positive results in all four areas. It builds confidence when students walk into a school that they can feel proud of. Having our students from both schools under one roof in this facility sends a strong message to our students and their families that we are committed to their success and our mission of educating the children of New Orleans.”
More than 750 pre-K through 8th grade students will have access to a state-of-the-art learning environment. Opening in August 2017, the new site will be centrally air-conditioned, wireless and fully accessible to people with disabilities. The new school will also feature art and music rooms, outdoor recreational spaces, a media center, expansive cafeteria, gymnatorium, and a science lab that encourages hands-on learning.
“I am thrilled that these children will have an opportunity to grow in such a beautiful building,” Georgette Ioup, Gentilly Terrace resident for 28 years, said. “They truly deserve this.”
This initiative will directly enhance, improve, and benefit student experiences by providing a high-quality learning environment and increased support services to include STEM-based learning, foreign language, and accelerated learning opportunities, NBSF reps said. Parents don't have to take enrollment action. Capdau and Gentilly Terrace students will automatically matriculate to the new campus for the 2017-2018 school year.
With this consolidation, all NBSF schools including Medard H. Nelson Charter School and Lake Area New Tech Early College High School will be located in the Gentilly neighborhood.
