MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The Memphis Grizzlies are back in the education business. In three weeks, the doors to the new Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School swing open.
The Memphis Grizzlies say they decided to open a charter school because they wanted to show their commitment to the community. So far 75 sixth grade boys have enrolled.
"They're really going to develop into strong men," said Jenny Koltnow, Executive Director of the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation. "We really need to make a deep impact, a permanent impact in this community and we can do that through education and mentoring."
She says when it comes to educating kids the Grizzlies are all in. "The entire Grizzlies organization is involved and supportive of this school… we've taken an inch wide, mile deep approach to everything and this is no exception."
Elizabeth Simpson, School Director at the Grizzlies Prep School, said, "We're going to have a disciplined and very rigorous culture. We expect a large amount of commitment from our scholars and families."
That culture of commitment includes a nine-hour school day. In that nine hour day, students, who were chosen by lottery, will not only take the core courses of math, science and English, they'll have the opportunity to study other subjects like gardening and cooking.
"We want to make sure our men can compete with everyone from everywhere in the world."
"Our mission is for all young men to excel academically and demonstrate integrity and to make sure every scholar achieves that mission."
The Grizzlies Prep School will only have 6th grade this year but plans to add a grade each year until the school serves grades 6 through 8.
