New Charter School Approved for Broussard, Set to Open in 2025
The City of Broussard will soon be home to a new charter school after receiving approval from the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Broussard Charter Academy, which is expected to open for the 2025-26 school year, will be the third charter school established in Lafayette Parish by the Lafayette Charter Foundation, in partnership with Charter Schools USA.
According to The Advocate, the school, a Type 2 charter, will serve approximately 900 students from kindergarten through eighth grade and will be located near the Broussard Sports Complex at St. Julien Park. It will not be restricted by school district boundaries, allowing students from across the state and region to enroll.
Broussard Mayor Ray Bourque expressed his excitement for the project, which he believes will help meet the educational needs of the city’s growing population. “As our great city continues to grow, Broussard Charter Academy will provide additional school facilities, classrooms, teachers, education programs, and activities for our expanding school-aged population,” Bourque said. He also voiced his appreciation to BESE board members for their support during the approval process.
The Lafayette Charter Foundation, which already operates Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy in north Lafayette and Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy in Youngsville, plans to build the new school on a 7.5-acre site near St. Nazaire and La Flamme roads. The foundation has the option to acquire additional acreage to allow for future expansion. In addition to the school, the surrounding land, owned by Billeaud Companies, will be developed to include commercial spaces and single-family homes.
Lafayette Charter Foundation President Mary Louella Riggs-Cook highlighted the school’s commitment to offering a high-quality, innovative educational experience. “This charter school will offer families a high-quality, innovative educational option tailored to meet local needs, helping our students thrive academically and compete on a global level,” she said.
Broussard Charter Academy’s approval comes as the Lafayette Parish School Board discusses potential school closures in the Broussard area, including Comeaux High School and Katherine Drexel Elementary. The new charter school is seen as a valuable addition to the area’s educational landscape.
The Broussard City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the school earlier this week.
See the full story here via The Advocate.