C.A.S.S./M.I.N.D. Academy Opens at Buckingham House

A new visionary school is now open to help at-risk students in the area.

The new C.A.S.S./M.I.N.D. Academy held its ribbon cutting Wednesday at the Alvah Buckingham House on Moxahala Avenue.

CEO Cassandra McDonald said the school focuses on showing students that despite past choices in life, it’s still possible to be a contributing member of society.

"There’s a gift that everyone has and we want to accentuate that and see that they have an opportunity to have their goals and visions and dreams in life," said McDonald.

McDonald said classes have already begun with students coming from the Avondale Youth Center as well as Foxfire Academy and area students on summer vacation.

"The first thing that we did was teach them posture, how to stand up, how to shake your hand and say their name, I said, You are somebody, act like it. there’s only one of you, there’s not another one coming," added McDonald.

Tuition for each student is $50 and covers mentoring, counseling and an individualized curriculum as well as opportunities for cultural enrichment.