NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 9, 2022) - Today Warren Easton Charter High School Board Member/former Chair Dr. David Garland and Principal/CEO Mervin Jackson joined NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and School Board President Olin G. Parker to cut the official ribbon officially opening Easton’s new Ninth Grade Academy.
Joined by the famous Warren Easton Fighting Eagles Marching Band, Marching Units, Color Guards, and special guest speakers the grand opening of the remodeled building, at 3026-30 Canal St., celebrated the addition of 100 more freshmen seats for a total of 350 ninth graders for the 22-23 School Year.
“We are so excited that this new building is ready for our incoming freshman class tomorrow,” said Dr. Garland. “Ninth-grade academies have been proven to ease the transition to high school. This building gives us the ability to give students the attention they need during this formative year. Our new academy will help students academically as they become better acquainted with the demands of high school.”
During the Grand Opening, each of the top four floors of the five-story building were dedicated to a New Orleans culture bearer: Dr. Norman C. Francis, Civil Right Attorney A.P. Tureaud, Musician Allen Toussaint and Activist Oretha Castle Haley. The families of the honorees were present to celebrate.
“What Warren Easton is doing now, helping to make sure that my mother will never be forgotten… that should be commended,” said Okyeame Haley, son of Oretha Castle Haley.
The Ninth Grade Academy is located directly across the street from Warren Easton Charter High School’s original 109-year-old building, which will now house only grades 10-12. The Academy is located in the former Meadows-Draughon Business College to meet the demand for entry to the award-winning high school.
“The best part of our new 9th Grade Academy is that it gives Easton’s in-demand, A-rated program the ability to provide more spots for students,” said Warren Easton Principal/CEO Jackson. “Our goal is to provide more families with the opportunity for an Easton education. We are so thrilled to have our new, expanded freshmen class housed in this beautiful, historic building and we can’t wait to welcome them!”
The building was renovated by the McDonnel Group, LLC with Manning Architects. “It is an honor to be a part of this historic renovation, and the development aspect was essential to the project’s viability,” said Project Developer and General Contractor Allan McDonnel, President, The McDonnel Group, LLC. McDonnel provided a pathway for Warren Easton to purchase the building by obtaining both State and Federal tax credits.
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