Vermilion Parish Charter school decides not to move north

Last week, residents who live on Revelation Drive north of Erath were worried about a charter school being built in their backyard
They voiced their concerns to the Vermilion Parish Police Jury last week. They worried about flooding when the charter school elevated the property.
The Williams Scholar Academy Board listened to their worries and decided not to relocate their temporary school on Hwy. 338. The charter school will remain at its current location on the grounds of Lighthouse for Jesus Ministries near Abbeville.
The school’s new Executive Director is Kimberly Williams. She said the school would lease the buildings from Lighthouse for Jesus Ministries.
“It is important that we listen to the community we are a part of and take their feedback seriously,” said Williams. “We appreciate the continued partnership with Lighthouse for Jesus Ministries in allowing us to lease the property,” Williams said. The school still intends to relocate to a more prominent location in the near future while it awaits the final construction of the permanent facility on Martin Luther King Drive.”
The residents who attended the Police Jury Meeting were happy to hear the news that there would not be a school in their backyard.
“That is great news,” said Trieva Campbell. “I am excited.”
Resident Frankie White added, “You made my day.”
The school is also no longer called Williams Scholar Academy, Williams said. However, no reason was given as to why the name changed.
Williams did explain that with a new name comes a new direction the school wants to head. The school released a press release explaining the charter school’s new approach.
With a new name – Excelsior College Preparatory Academy – and a focus on college readiness and the post-secondary experience, Excelsior Prep will provide an unprecedented education to all scholars beginning in grade 6. The school’s new Executive Director, Kimberly Williams, Esq. said, “We will never forget the hard work that went into the vision and building of this school. As we move forward, we embrace the motto that College is not an option – it is a part of the journey.”
The school is currently enrolling students entering Grades 6-12. Visit excelsiorcollegeprep.com for details. You can also text the school at 337-465-1637.
In its first year, Williams Scholar Academy graduated 100% of the seniors originally enrolled, all of whom received thousands of dollars in scholarships for their college pursuits. Each graduate received a scholarship from Pastor Walter August and the Nehemiah Project of Acadiana, among the many awards and recognitions.
In addition, the graduates were memorialized in the 117th congressional record through a Federal Proclamation from Congressman Clay Higgins.