A New Chapter for Helix Aviation Academy
BATON ROUGE, La. (June 24, 2024) – Helix Community Schools joyfully announces the acquisition of IDEA University Prep’s (UP) Plank Road campus facilities. Located at 7701 Plank Road, this campus will now be part of Helix Aviation Academy. As the only public school in the state located on an airport (Baton Rouge Metro Airport), Helix Aviation Academy focuses on careers in aviation, space exploration, and cyber technology.
Expansion and Growth
This fall, Helix Aviation will expand to launch new high school and elementary school divisions. The school will now offer kindergarten, first grade, and sixth through ninth grades, beginning in August, just in time for the new school year.
Innovative Flight Program
Helix will continue to use its airport campus to launch a much-anticipated high school flight program. This program will allow students from Helix Mentorship STEAM Academy and Helix Aviation to engage in ground school classes and flight training, led by new certified flight instructor Mr. Ezzie Smith. This unique educational offering links classroom learning with real-world aviation experience, reflecting the biblical principle of preparing the way (Isaiah 40:3).
A Commitment to Community
“We are committed to providing an innovative educational experience for all students to help prepare them for success in and out of the classroom,” said Preston Castille, president and CEO of Helix Community Schools. “This is a great opportunity to serve even more families in the Baton Rouge community.” His words echo Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Enhanced Learning Environment
Charita Sellers, Helix Aviation’s founding principal and executive director, expressed excitement about the new location. “The new location gives us an enhanced learning environment where we can grow and continue to prepare our students for college and various careers in aviation. We look forward to welcoming our students to their new home,” she said, reinforcing the importance of creating nurturing spaces for learning (Psalm 127:3).
Gratitude and Transition
Jeff Cottrill, CEO and superintendent of IDEA Public Schools, shared his gratitude for the repurposing of the facilities. “We are pleased this beautiful property will remain an asset to the community,” he stated. This sentiment aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship (1 Peter 4:10).
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The new campus features a state-of-the-art, two-story building complete with a gymnasium, cafeteria, soccer field, and playground. Helix Mentorship, which acquired Franciscan High School’s facilities last summer, continues to integrate innovative programs such as the Corporate Work Study Program.
Enrollment Information
Enrollment is currently underway. For more information, contact solarian.sept@helixcommunityschools.org or call 225-409-3000. Visit helixaviationacademy.org for more details.
About Helix Community Schools
Helix Aviation Academy is part of Helix Community Schools, a charter school network in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, committed to innovative education in STEAM and law. New academies in artificial intelligence, medical fields, energy, and agriculture are set to open in the coming years. For more information, visit helixcommunityschools.org.
Prayer for Students, Families, Faculty, and the Community
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the blessings of new opportunities and growth at Helix Community Schools. We pray for the students, families, and faculty as they embark on this new journey. Grant them wisdom, guidance, and protection. May the community thrive, and may Your presence be felt in every classroom and interaction.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
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