Building Something Special at The Ville

Ninth grade students at EEVPAF. Image courtesy of Toson Knight

For years, East English Village Preparatory Academy has been surrounded by difficult stories. Some families have questioned whether it is the right place to send their children. I even remember community members expressing concern that the school carried the East English Village name because they felt its reputation did not reflect their neighborhood.

We hear those concerns. We are working hard to change the story, and we started with our ninth graders.

Our Ninth Grade Academy gives students more structure as they make the transition to high school. We have uniform expectations, morning and afternoon assemblies, and clear rules about clothing, including no Crocs, flip-flops, or jeans. We want students to understand that showing up prepared matters.

We also want them to walk into a building that tells them they matter. Our walls carry messages like “You belong here” and “Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.” Those words are reminders of the culture we are building together.

Students who attend school, wear their uniforms, and stay out of trouble can enjoy our game room during lunch or seminar. We held a freshman induction where students dressed up, heard a speaker and music, and were welcomed into the school with their parents there to share the moment. We want our young people to feel proud to be part of The Ville.

This work goes beyond school culture. Through the district’s high school redesign, students are learning how to stay on track, get help in subjects where they struggle, and begin exploring what they want to do with their lives. In the Ninth Grade Academy, we are tracking grades and attendance so we can respond early and support each student with intention.

We know a reputation does not change because of one event or one good day. It changes through what students and families experience every day. We are building a school where young people are known, supported, challenged, and celebrated.

Success is the only option, and we are building something special at East English Village Prep Academy.