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This local charter school is turning heads—learn why + enroll now
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Finding a school for our children that feels like the “perfect fit” can be tough. So let me make it easy for you by telling you about Legacy Prep in Birmingham—a charter school built on love, joy and excellence that provides a rewarding education experience. We spoke with Joí Gresham, Legacy Prep staff member and parent of two Legacy Prep scholars to find out why this school is changing the game for young scholars and their families. Plus, learn how to enroll for the 2022-2023 school year.
The Legacy Prep difference
So, what is Legacy Prep all about and how does it stand out among other Birmingham schools? Located at 1500 Daniel Payne Drive in Birmingham, Legacy Prep opened its doors in 2019 as one of the city’s first charter schools. It’s mission—to educate and empower scholars to embrace their identity, lead lives of choice and opportunity and impact their communities as the next generation of socially-conscious leaders.
Unsure what a charter school is? Here are some fast 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 through 12th grades. For the 2022-2023 school year, Legacy Prep will provide education to Kindergarten-5th grades.
Registration is open now for the 2022-2023 school year. The deadline is March 16—enroll now!
The best of both worlds
Meet Joí Gresham, Legacy Prep Family and Community Engagement Specialist. She’s been part of the Legacy Prep team since the school opened three years ago. Her role? To advocate for Legacy Prep parents and plan and facilitate/co-facilitate events for families that promote engagement and enrichment opportunities.
But that’s not all. she’s also a Legacy Prep parent of two daughters—one in 1st grade, the other in 2nd. So for Joí, every day is take your daughter to work day.
Bham Now: What stands out most to you about Legacy Prep?
Joí “From the very beginning, I’ve been in awe of the vision and strategic plan of Legacy Prep, along with the steps outlined to fulfill their mission and vision. Its nontraditional approach to education and its unique approach to instilling pride, love, excellence and boldness in our scholars. We strive to create an atmosphere filled with love for not only our scholars but their families.”
Bham Now: Why did you decide to have your daughters go to Legacy Prep?
Joí: “Representation matters, and I was also blown away after discovering that Legacy Prep was founded by an African American woman named Jonta Morris. At the time, I only had one daughter and I wanted her to know, witness and experience Black History. This would be a message and reminder that as a little girl who happens to be Black, she could DREAM beyond what she sees in front of her; that she is destined for greatness and there is evidence of what can be done, especially when others send the message that it cannot be.”
Bham Now: What are the pros of you and your daughters working and going to school at the same place?
Joí: “My daughters LOVE it! When I am off, they don’t like it. If I am off for multiple days, they struggle. There are definitely pros and cons, however, we are truly thankful and would not change a thing!”
Wondering about the cons? There aren’t many. “Both of my daughters only see me as ‘mommy’, never ‘Mrs. Gresham’.”
Joí laughs when she tells me the con and I can’t help but join in, because that “con” is surely considered a sweet pro.
How to enroll
Love what you’ve learned about Legacy Prep? I don’t blame you! It’s easy to enroll, too. Applications are being accepted now through March 16. Simply fill out an application and click submit.
If Legacy Prep’s enrollment is filled over capacity in any grade level, a lottery is then held to determine which scholars are granted enrollment. Public lottery date: March 18.
What if you miss the enrollment deadline? There’s still hope! Any applications received after the application deadline will be added to the waitlist in the order the application is received. If a spot becomes available, you’ll be contacted by the Legacy Prep team.
Want to discover more about Legacy Prep and the amazing things they are doing for Birmingham young scholars and their families? Visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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