Cabot Freshman Academy Dedication and Grand Opening

Hundreds gathered Monday to dedicate the Cabot Public School District's newest campus, the state-of-the-art, Freshman Academy.

The 205-thousand square foot facility houses close to 800 students and is solely dedicated to 9th graders.  It opened in August of 2014 and serves as a transitional program, providing all incoming freshmen a foundation for academic success and graduation.

Principal Tanya Spillane says, “It's very visible what we stand for, every child, every kid, every day.”

She says, “Nationally 28% of the kids starting 9th grade do not make it; obtain all their full credits before the 10th grade.  Of those 28% when they get to the 10th grade, 40% drop out, so we know it's a significant problem.”

A problem faculty and staff vow to fix with the Cabot Freshman Academy.

Superintendent Dr. Tony Thurman also addressed the crowd saying, “Being able to make this happen is a very special opportunity.”

Cabot Mayor Bill Cypert presented Dr. Thurman and the Cabot School Board with a proclamation declaring October 6th-11th as “Freshman Academy Week.”

The Academy offers full programing which includes the arts, athletics, band, career and technical programs along with core educational programs.

Members of the Cabot Chamber of Commerce, Cabot School Board, Dr. Tony Thurman, Freshman Academy Principal Tanya Spillane, Ward Mayor Art Brooke, members of the Ward City Council, Austin Mayor Bernie Chamberlain, members of the Austin City Council, Freshman Academy Band, AFJROTC Color Guard, Freshman Academy Choir as well as faculty and students were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony.  Members of the community and the media also attended as well.

We'd like to also thank Express Printing in Cabot for donating the programs.