Birmingham’s charter school offers community learning experience—learn how from this parent

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Legacy Prep
2nd grade is about learning and discovery. Photo via Legacy Prep

As parents, we want our children to attend a school where they will shine as bright as the sun. But the decision about which school to entrust their education with can be tough. To make your decision simple, we spoke with a current parent of two young scholars at Birmingham’s charter school Legacy Prep. Find out why her family chose it and what their experience has been like. 

Already know you want to register your Kindergarten-4th grader for the 2021-2022 school year? Fill out the enrollment form here.

But first, what is Legacy Prep?

Legacy Prep
Students and teachers at Legacy Prep in Birmingham. Photo via Legacy Prep

You’ve probably heard about several charter schools in Birmingham. But did you know Legacy Prep was the first? Located at 1500 Daniel Payne Drive in Birmingham, the school opened its doors in 2019 to 130 scholars in Kindergarten-2nd grades. 

Its mission—to educate and empower young scholars to embrace their identity, lead lives of choice and opportunity and impact their communities as the next generation of socially-conscious leaders.

Legacy Prep also cultivates the whole child by providing daily Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) through their daily affirmation that focuses on loving themselves inside and out.

Wondering what makes charter schools like Legacy Prep unique? Here are some quick facts:

  • They are independently run, tuition-free public schools.
  • They hold similar demographic characteristics to scholars in other local public schools.
  • As smaller schools, they are nimble and responsive to scholars and families.

Since its opening, Legacy Prep has expanded each year to include a new grade level—something the school plans to do until it is home to Pre-Kindergarten-12th grades. For the 2021-2022 school year, Legacy Prep will provide education to Kindergarten-4th grades.

To apply to Legacy Prep for grades Kindergarten-4th, fill out the enrollment form here.

What does a current Legacy Prep parent have to say about the charter school?

20200218 134203 1 Birmingham's charter school offers community learning experience—learn how from this parent
The Johnson family. Photo via Karen Johnson by allGODbuddy

Karen Johnson is a parent to not one, but two “prepsters” currently enrolled at Legacy Prep—a daughter in kindergarten and a son in second grade. Here’s what she had to say about her family’s decision to attend Legacy Prep and what their experience has been like.

Legacy Prep is a school that builds communities, not walls

The values held by Legacy Prep attracted Karen and her family to the school. While she saw a few opportunities for involvement in her children’s previous education, they didn’t connect the learning to the everyday student experience.

“We chose Legacy Prep because we are a tight-knight family who believes in the power of community. Before transitioning to Legacy, we were dissatisfied by the lack of focus on the family as a unit in public schools.” 

Karen also cites Jonta Morris, Legacy Prep’s Founder and CEO, for her commitment to the school.

“Jonta’s drive and passion for our students is the stuff of legends. She goes hard for our students and their success no matter what.”

What do you feel stands out about Legacy Prep? 

“I was drawn to Legacy by the promise that my children would be equipped and encouraged to be active participants in the creation of their own legacy by guides and staff who truly care about them. It’s so refreshing to have the relationships that I do with school leadership and staff and know that they have my prepsters’ best interest at heart.

Reactions That Matter

Legacy Prep
Friendships are made at Legacy Prep. Photo via Legacy Prep

It’s not just the parent-teacher/staff relationship Karen feels stands out about Legacy Prep; it’s also her children’s reactions to the whole experience.

“My children are ecstatic about learning and going to school each day because of the love that has been built into the fabric of every classroom. Legacy Prep is constantly creating ways to enhance not only the learning experience, but also the village/community experience. Village events like Virtual Village Connection, Black Excellence Exhibit, and Family Heritage Night have all been amazing ways to bring families together and deepen connections within the village.”

So, what are some of Karen’s kids’ favorite things about Legacy Prep?

“My children LOVE their guides! They have developed truly meaningful relationships with all of them, not just their own.

They also LOVE Exploratory Arts. Whether it’s Quest (STEM class), Art, Dance or SEL (social and emotional learning) Garden, they learn something new every day and are always eager to share it with me when they get home. That type of excitement about their learning experience is priceless.”

Why do you suggest other families choose Legacy Prep?

“I would suggest that families choose Legacy Prep if they are looking for a community learning experience with teachers who show up each day EAGER to grow the brains of their students. Legacy Prep gives families a voice to be an active part of their children’s learning experience.” 

Is there anything else you’d like others to know?

“I love the constant feedback loop that is a part of Legacy Prep’s culture. Families are always invited to provide feedback and suggestions through surveys and other touchpoints.” 

Are you ready to become part of the Legacy Prep family?

Legacy Prep, school
Are you ready to show your Panther pride? Photo via Legacy Prep

Then register for the 2021-2022 academic school year. To apply to Legacy Prep for grades Kindergarten-4th, fill out the enrollment form here. *If Legacy Prep’s enrollment is filled over capacity in any grade level, a lottery is held to determine which scholars are granted enrollment.

Young scholars aren’t the only ones with the chance to become part of the Legacy Prep family. The school is currently hiring for the 2021-2022 school year. Follow this link to check out open positions + more.

Want to discover more about the amazing things Legacy Prep is doing for Birmingham’s young scholars and their families? Visit their website and follow them on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn.

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