BEAUMONT, Texas — Construction of the new Harmony Science Academy campus in Beaumont is complete and ready to open its doors on Tuesday.
The $23 million campus will alleviate charter schools growing waiting list by serving students in grades 6 through 12.
It will be part of the TEA recognized "A"-rated district, according to a press release from the Harmony Public Schools.
School officials broke ground on the facility located at 6490 Phelan Boulevard on May, 26 2023.
Earlier today, students and teachers were able to get a look at the new campus and they are excited to get back to school.
The school hosted a back to school breakfast and teachers added last minute touches on their classrooms and labs.
"I'm very excited about the windows," said Harmony Science teacher Nicolette Hawthrone-Martin.
She is excited to be teaching at the new $23 million campus this school year.
"I really think this campus is going to be a breath of fresh air for the kids," she said.
Before becoming a teacher, Hawthrone-Martin worked as a biochemistry lab manager, but wanted to do more.
"I thought it was a really good opportunity to work with students that were science geared," she said.
Outreach Coordinator Dr. Jeff Payne says that their labs are larger, nicer and better equipped.
Dr. Payne says the new space has allowed the school to double their enrollment.
"All grades were at that original campus and now we've got 6-12th grade over here. So that just gives great space for both schools," said Dr. Payne. "Elementary, they did a lot of renovations over the summer, they've got a wonderful space there as well."
Ward 3 Councilman Audwin Samuel calls the new school with 41 classrooms and labs, with a football field, a "sparkle to the city."
"The colors, it grabs you, and it grabs the kids," said Samuel. "And that's what we need, something to grab the kids and then we can hold them and lift them up."
Many teachers agree that the new space and environment will assist in helping kids to learn and grow.
"I think when you're in a clean new space, it kind of opens up the room for learning a little more," said Hawthrone-Martin.
Dr. Payne says students will be playing soccer recreationally this year, but hopes to start competing in soccer and football soon.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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