JS Clark Leadership Academy Celebrates New School Facility with Community Topping Off Ceremony

JS Clark Leadership Academy Marks Milestone with New School Facility

On October 1, 2025, the JS Clark Leadership Academy (JSCLA) hosted a momentous event as it celebrated the topping off of its brand new school building. Located at 1040 South Bullard Street in Opelousas, Louisiana, the ceremony was attended by students, staff, and local dignitaries, including State Senator Gerald Boudreaux and Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor. This significant milestone represents the commitment of the academy to enhance educational opportunities for the community.

The new 54,000 square-foot facility, now under construction, will serve grades 7 through 12 when it opens its doors in the fall of 2026. Currently, JSCLA accommodates approximately 490 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in its existing facility. The new building aims to alleviate the strains of overcrowding and enable the academy to cater to the 350 families currently on the enrollment waitlist, expanding student capacity to 720.

The motto for this ambitious project is “For Us, By Us, and With Us,” a sentiment echoed by Tiffanie Lewis, CEO and Founder of JSCLA. “Locating our new building here in the west end was a decision taken for us to contribute to the resurgence of this area and the economic advancement of the entire community. Having 10 members of our staff design this building was a decision made with careful consideration for every student’s needs,” Lewis stated.

The ceremony kicked off with a beam signing event, allowing students, faculty, and other board members to make their mark on the new structure. Notably, participating students came from various grades, showcasing the inclusive spirit of JSCLA. The involvement of the local community was at the forefront of this initiative, emphasizing how vital the relationship between the academy and Opelousas is.

JSCLA was founded in 2012 with the mission to provide a rigorous educational experience characterized by project-based learning and a technology-rich environment. This unique educational model encourages students not only to memorize facts but also to engage in problem-solving, analysis, and creativity. High school students are offered multiple graduation paths, such as general studies, technical fields like welding, and opportunities for dual enrollment, allowing them to earn college credits while finishing their diploma.

The new facility will boast cutting-edge amenities designed to further enhance student learning. Key features will include an allied health wing, a technology repair station, well-equipped science labs, and a gymnasium with a weight room. Additionally, a football practice field and a coffee shop are planned, providing both athletic and social spaces for students.

“JS Clark is not just preparing students for graduation; it’s preparing them for life,” said Kyle Culverhouse, Senior Vice President of Construction at Building Hope, the organization leading the project. “This school is creating environments where transformational impacts on students can truly take place.”

Building Hope’s mission involves providing facility financing, real estate development, and operational support to charter schools nationwide. With over $2 billion in charter school projects supported during its 22-year history, Building Hope continues to focus on removing barriers to accessing excellent education.

As the new building rises, JSCLA remains committed to its vision of creating a nurturing learning environment that equips students with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in their post-secondary journeys. Applications for student enrollment are currently being accepted, inviting more families to become part of this dynamic educational community.

For more details about JS Clark Leadership Academy, visit jsclarkcharter.com. To learn more about Building Hope’s initiatives, go to www.buildinghope.org.