Virgo Rising
How 100 sixth graders, their iPads and one principal will take on education
D. C. Virgo Preparatory Academy will re-open its doors this school year with new programs, more resources and updated technology. The school returns from last year’s closure with an emphasis on student success.
Virgo closed last school year due to low student enrollment and low academic performance. While formulating an improvement plan, the school board saved $800,000 by closing it, said Valita Quattlebaum, chief communications officer for New Hanover County Schools (NHCS).
The school located in the northside of downtown Wilmington at 813 Nixon Street re-opens under a model based on the Chicago Urban Prep Academy with an emphasis on college preparation and pride in education. A six-member advisory board and the Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) support the effort.
Principal Eric Irizarry, seven teachers and a counselor form the core faculty. Irizarry hand-picked teachers from hundreds of applicants, he said. Finalists had to conduct a lesson for the hiring committee in addition to an interview.
Students will wear uniforms consisting of khakis and button down shirts in sixth grade, with ties added in seventh grade and blazers in eighth grade, donned in a ceremony for each rite of passage. iPads will be issued to each student for exposure to the latest learning tools such as electronic text books and reference materials.
The school will offer an extended school day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with Wednesday afternoons set aside for experiential learning opportunities such as field trips, technology classes or art classes.
Between 100 and 150 sixth grade students are expected this year and will grow over the next two years. D.C. Virgo has an assigned attendance zone, but other students may apply.
In addition to its share of school district funds and a share of federal Race-To-The-Top funds, the school received a $75,000 grant from Wilmington-based contract research organization, PPD. Partnerships with Community Boys and Girls Clubs, UNCW, Youth Enrichment Zone, churches and other organizations will provide school day and after school enrichment opportunities such as parenting classes, adult literacy classes, arts and music instruction to create ties between the school and the community. The collaborations with nonprofit organizations will be coordinated by the Blue Ribbon Commission.
“My goal for the school is to eventually be a hub for the community,” Irizarry said.
Toward that effort, Irizarry and Daawud El-Amin, BRC youth enrichment specialist, held group parent meetings and went door-to-door to meet families and to answer questions. As a result of those connections, some parents are running for election to the advisory board, Thomas said.
“Our job is to make this a place where kids want to come and learn,” Irizarry said. “I want the kids to go to college with a license plate that says ‘Virgo Alumni.’”
