Andrew H. Wilson Charter School Moves Into Upgraded New Orleans Facility

School Destroyed by Post-Katrina Floods Rebuilds to Be "Better Than Before"

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Jan 20, 2010, 10:59 ET

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrew H. Wilson Charter School, a school devastated by post-Katrina floods, has reached a major milestone this month as students of this EdisonLearning partnership school move into their remodeled building.

On Thursday, January 28th, at 2 p.m. the school will officially celebrate the opening. The school will be joined by community leaders, government officials and other partners who supported the rebirth of the venerated school which is at the center of the Broadmoor neighborhood.

Wilson Charter School was founded by the Broadmoor Charter School Board, an outgrowth of the Broadmoor Improvement Association (BIA) – one of the oldest neighborhood associations in New Orleans. Before Katrina, Wilson was an underperforming school with 85 percent of students performing below grade level. When the state decided not to re-open the school, Broadmoor residents took it upon themselves to move the project forward.

In Spring 2006, the BIA created a 300-page redevelopment plan, "Better Than Before." Because they believe neighborhoods are defined by their local schools, a critical element was Wilson Charter School, the only public school in the area.

In February 2007, the BIA was awarded authority to open the charter school, and established a partnership with EdisonLearning. Recognizing the importance of the project to the community, the state provided a $20 million Quick Start grant to support the effort. Since operating as a neighborhood-run charter school, Wilson has shown dramatic progress. Recent results from the state test showed improvements of up to 26 points in core subjects.

"We're so proud of the achievements we've accomplished, and we are thankful for the support of the Broadmoor Improvement Association, EdisonLearning, and the Broadmoor Charter School Board," said Principal Sheila Thomas. "The first-class updates to our building will only make for a better learning environment for our students."

Wilson's remodeled building features:

State-of-the-art technology, including 90 PCs, 70 laptops, 40 smartboards, three distance learning solutions, wireless and networking equipment
Green solutions and LEED certification, including bamboo flooring (a renewable resource), natural lighting and temperature control
Library and media center, open to community members
Science lab, music suite, art rooms and gymnasium, open to community members
Courtyard with performance stadium

Wilson is part of a larger vision for Broadmoor as part of the eight-block Education Corridor, designed to meet the needs of the entire community – from dance classes to GED training.

"We are honored and humbled to be partners and friends with Broadmoor in the creation of Wilson Charter School and the rebirth of the Broadmoor Neighborhood," said Jeff Wahl, President and CEO of EdisonLearning. "The school is at the heart of the community and is the center of positive growth for all of its residents."

More information on Andrew H. Wilson Charter School can be found at http://ahwilsoncharterschool.org/

EdisonLearning is the nation's leading public school innovator and partner for school districts and charter schools serving more than 350,000 children in 24 states and the UK. We work with school leaders and communities to provide solutions that inspire students to think, learn, and succeed - and prepare them to meet their full potential and the expectations of the 21st century workplace. Visit www.EdisonLearning.com for more information.