The Academy of Classical Education Opens for Students
April Knight sets up her social studies classroom at the Academy of Classical Education in preparation for the first day for students. As she begins her second year teaching, Knight knew she wanted to teach at ACE after reading their school motto on their website. "It said 'Wher
e teachers can teach and students will learn,'" Knight explains. "And I thought, 'Wow! What an idea!'"
On Monday, August 4, ACE opens its doors to students for the first time. Knight says she's looking forward to the school year ahead. "I'm very excited about my students, because we've been meeting them," says Knight.
760 students and 48 teachers will fill the halls of this newly-renovated school on Monday. Students can even cozy up to a fireplace in the library and read a book.
"Everybody has been so thrilled to see the school; they don't think it looks like school," says ACE Co-Founder, Laura Perkins. "And they're just proud of the work that they've done, because it has been a community effort," Perkins continues.
ACE will house students kindergarten through 8th grade and add another grade each year until it's k-12.
The school has 200,000 square feet on 39 acres, of which 80,000 is currently renovated. The remaining 120,000 square feet will be renovated in phases and will eventually include a performing arts center, a competitive gym and possibly a swimming center.
As the school year soon begins, Perkins says the school has an important mission. "Success; I want children to feel very safe and very content," Perkins explains. "I like for that to be a general feeling in this school, that success is really a cool thing," adds Perkins.
While Knight is organizing her classroom, she explains her goal for the year, "To inspire the kids for them to learn, but more so for them to be excited about the subject."
Tuesday, July 29, is the last night for parent night at ACE, which allows students and parents to tour the new facility and meet their teachers. Saturday from 9 am to 10 am, the school is having a practice drop off and pick up day to help relieve some of the stress of the first day of school. The official start will be Monday morning at 8 am.
