I3 Academy

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I3 Academy (for "Imagine, Investigate, Innovate") is a proposed K-5 charter school, to be chartered under the authority of Birmingham City Schools and located at the former First Baptist Church of Woodlawn at 261 48th Street North in Woodlawn. The school plans to open in 2020 with 420 students.

Martin Nalls is the head of school, and former Alabama State Department of Education superintendent Tommy Bice is chair of its board. The school plans to adopt a "STEAM" (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) curriculum, with extended hours for extracurricular programs and "wraparound" programs in cases where social, emotional or medical support is necessary.

I3 Academy was the second charter school, after Legacy Prep, proposed for Birmingham since the passage of the 2015 Alabama School Choice and Student Opportunity Act. The school's application for a charter was rejected by the Birmingham Board of Education in January 2019, but that decision can be reversed by the Alabama Public Charter School Commission.

A groundbreaking for the renovation project was held on August 20, 2019. At that time, Nalls told reporters that the school would have a "culturally responsive curriculum," reflecting the life experiences of its student body. The anticipated 420 pupils would have access to in-school health, dental, and mental health services, and each classroom will have a lead teacher and an assistant present. He said that teachers would receive, "the highest salaries in the metropolitan Birmingham area." Enrollment is by application, but academic achievement or other requirements are not part of the process. Only Birmingham residents admitted in the "first tier", with a lottery to be held if more apply than can be accommodated.

References

  • Crain, Trisha Powell (January 10, 2019) "Birmingham charter school applicant, I3 Academy, holds hearing." The Birmingham News
  • Crain, Trisha Powell (January 24, 2019) "Birmingham school board denies charter application." The Birmingham News
  • Crain, Trisha Powell (August 20, 2019) "Former Alabama superintendent opening state’s largest charter school." The Birmingham News

External links

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