YMCA of the Triangle leaders, Wake County Commissioners and Wake County Board of Education members broke ground on a joint YMCA and Wake County Public School that will open in 2019.
The future Southeast Raleigh YMCA and Elementary School will be located at 1436 Rock Quarry Road, and will serve nearly 500 children in grades preK – 5.
BRIDGING THE EDUCATION GAP
“We are excited about this unique project and the opportunities the school and the YMCA can provide to children and families in Southeast Raleigh,” said Doug McMillan, YMCA of the Triangle CEO. “For more than 30 years, our YMCA has partnered with Wake County Public Schools to help bridge education gaps during the school year and times in between.”
HELPING THE WHOLE FAMILY
The facility will include features unique to most Wake County elementary schools including a community kitchen and extra pre-kindergarten classrooms. The YMCA will offer free swim lessons to families of students. The school might offer a longer school day and opportunities to connect families with social services.
“We must work together in our community to give our children their best chance for success,” said Monika Johnson-Hostler, chair of the Wake County Board of Education.
HELPING KIDS SUCCEED
“Wake County is proud to partner with the YMCA and WCPSS on this project which will support the needs of children and families in Southeast Raleigh in new and innovative ways,” said Jessica Holmes, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners.
ABOUT THE YMCA BEACON SITE
Three years ago, the YMCA of the Triangle made a significant investment in the Southeast Raleigh community with the purchase of 32 acres in the Rock Quarry Road corridor near I-440. This property will serve as the home, or YMCA Beacon Site, that will include the joint YMCA and public school, mixed-use housing and commercial spaces. Currently, the YMCA is securing anchor partners to deliver these core services. Southeast Raleigh Promise, an independent nonprofit, will serve as the quarterback organization to support children, families and neighborhood needs in Southeast Raleigh.
Learn more about the Southeast Raleigh YMCA here.
