Emerald Academy, the first public charter school in Knox County, Tenn., has opened its doors to about 120 students. The school, which eventually will accommodate grades K-8, is housed in the former Moses School building in the Mechanicsville neighborhood of Knoxville.
In its first year, Emerald will have kindergartners and first-graders. The school will add two grades each succeeding year and plans to have 585 students in grades K-8 when it is at full capacity.
The school was founded by the Emerald Youth Foundation, and the Knox County school board approved its charter last year. Emerald's stated mission is to "grow scholars into leaders by creating the best learning culture for city students to develop the skills, habits, and values for successes in high school, college and life."
Emerald Charter Schools purchased the Moses building from the Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley last year and renovated the facility to return it to an educational use.
Video from WATE-TV: