Thursday, August 31, 2017

Several community forums will be held to discuss and gather public input about a proposed laboratory school at D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy, UNCW and New Hanover County Schools announced today. 

These forums, held at D.C. Virgo, 813 Nixon Street in Wilmington, will provide information to the public about the proposed school and offer the community the opportunity for questions and input as the planning process gets underway:

• September 6, from 5:30-7 p.m.
• September 21, from 5:30-7 p.m.
• October 19, from 5:30-7 p.m.  
• November 8, from 5:30-7 p.m.

“The educators involved in the planning of this proposed school are focused on a strong community partnership,” said Van Dempsey, dean of UNCW’s Watson College of Education. “The Watson College is honored to have a leadership role in this process. We welcome participation and input during the initial planning stage and look forward to working with the community to create a rich educational context with new opportunities for local children and educators.”

The proposed lab school is one of nine slotted for development by recently passed legislation. The lab school initiative, aimed at providing enhanced educational programming to students in low-performing schools, will be a unique opportunity for collaboration between UNCW, D.C. Virgo and NHCS.

"This is a great opportunity to work with UNCW to extend the vision we had when we re-opened the school five years ago," added New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley.

Members of the community are encouraged to attend the forums for more information and to offer input. If approved, the laboratory school is expected to open at the start of the 2018-19 academic year. 

- Christina Schechtman

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