Dec. 22, 2014

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact: John Crooks

(865) 637-3227 ext. 119

jcrooks@emeraldcharterschools.org

 

EMERALD ACADEMY TO BE LOCATED IN HISTORIC MOSES SCHOOL BUILDING

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Historic Moses School Building in Mechanicsville will soon be home to Emerald Academy, Knoxville’s first public charter school.

 

Emerald Charter Schools recently purchased the building from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, which is constructing a new facility on Caswell Avenue.

 

“As noted in our charter application to Knox County Schools, the Historic Moses School Building was our preferred location for Emerald Academy. It is a beautiful, 65,000 square foot facility that will allow us to serve 585 scholars when at full capacity for K-8 grades,” said Emerald Charter Schools President Steve Diggs.

 

Emerald Academy is a free, independently-operated, K-8 college preparatory school. Approved by the

Knox County Board of Education in June 2014, Emerald Academy will open July 27, 2015.

 

“We are thrilled for Emerald Academy,” said Lisa Hurst, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. “The Historic Moses School Building has served our children, teens and staff well since 1995. As we expand our operations on Caswell Avenue, this is a win-win for city kids. We are honored to work together with Emerald Charter Schools to make this project a reality.” 

 

Until construction is complete on the Caswell Avenue location, Boys & Girls Clubs’ administrative offices will be located in the Shafer Building at 1100 Marion Street, Ste. 100, Knoxville, TN 37921.

 

Renovations to the Historic Moses School Building, located at 220 Carrick Street in Mechanicsville, will begin in January. 

 

The ground level will serve as the main entrance and transportation drop-off, and include a full-service cafeteria, commons area, media center, and gymnasium and stage (already present). The first level will house classrooms for kindergarten through fourth grade. The second level will be home to scholars in fifth grade through eighth grade, and include the original auditorium.

 

Emerald Academy’s mission is to grow scholars into leaders by creating the best learning culture for city

students to develop the skills, habits, and values for success in high school, college and life. Goals include:

• Scholars will read at or above grade level.

• Every scholar will be ready for high school and on their way to a 4 year college.

• Emerald Academy will rank in the top 5 percent of schools in Tennessee.

 

Parents and guardians with children who will be in kindergarten or first grade in 2015-2016 school year can learn more about Emerald Academy and submit an intent to enroll form online at www.emeraldacademy.org.

 

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