Freedom Preparatory Academy
Freedom Preparatory Academy (FPA) is a planned K-8 charter school to be located in the former Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School at 626–630 1st Street South in South Titusville.
The academy is part of a Memphis, Tennessee-based network founded by attorney Roblin Webb. Justin Hampton is the Montgomery-based regional director for Freedom Prep. Freedom Prep gives emphasis to African traditions and cultural practices.
The Birmingham Board of Education voted against approving the school's charter in January 2022, but the Alabama Public Charter School Commission overruled that vote in May. Neighborhood leaders initially opposed the academy's plan to open in South Titusville.
The school planned to open for kindergarten through 2nd grade students in 2023, and to add a grade each year. Those plans were delayed to August 2024. Larry Thompson was originally tapped to serve as the school leader for the Birmingham academy, but he was promoted to math curriculum writer instead and Jessica Ramey was selected to lead the Titusville location.
References
- Griesbach, Rebecca (January 25, 2022) "Birmingham denies charter school application from Memphis organization." AL.com
- Griesbach, Rebecca (May 14, 2022) "New Birmingham charter school approved by state commission." AL.com
- Jackson, Lauren (May 20, 2022) "Titusville community leaders working to block new Memphis charter school from opening in neighborhood." WBRC.com
- Thrailkill, Laurel (December 19, 2023) "Freedom Preparatory Academy unveils site, opening date of Birmingham campus." Birmingham Business Journal