Friday Feature: Prichard Preparatory School

Colleen HroncichIn 2005, Alabama pastor Dr. Ruby Eldridge founded Pure Word Academy (now Prichard Preparatory School) so children in her church could receive a high ‐​quality education that would help them escape poverty. “Miss Ruby,” as she was known, wanted to give parents an affordable option for a college ‐​prep school that was on par with what wealthier families could access.Today, the school is led by Portia Green, who joined the community as a parent in 2011, served as a teacher and administrator, and was named principal in 2020. Portia says she “fell in love with the school, its mission, and how teachers love the kids in a unique way ” from the beginning. She says faith, character, art, reading, music, and technology are all emphasized.Prichard Prep serves children from pre ‐​K4 through 5th grade. There is currently one class per grade level with a maximum of 16 students per class. The school is planning to expand to offer two classes per grade level, starting with pre ‐​K4 in fall 2023.In keeping with Miss Ruby ’s goal of providing an affordable option for families, all students receive a $6,000 scholarship. For the 2023–24 school year, the cost per student is around $8,500, but parents pay $2,500 per student. Alabama’s tax credit scholarship, which is used by 35% of students, helps bridge that gap. Around 65% of Prichard families qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program.The mission at Pri...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs