Thanks largely to a contribution from NBA great Michael Jordan, an all-male private high school is rebuilding itself within the Bronzeville community.
Thanks largely to a contribution from NBA great Michael Jordan, an all-male private high school is rebuilding itself within the Bronzeville community. So far Hales Franciscan College Preparatory High School, an all-male private high school at 4930 S. Cottage Grove Ave., has received $9 million in contributions to renovate its school building and parking lot, and to construct a brand new stadium and athletic building. NBA great Jordan gave $5 million to the school’s project. The school was built in 1962. Construction began June 1, and completion is expected Aug. 17. Once done, the school will have transformed its current football field into a 900-seat multi-purpose stadium that will accommodate soccer, track-and-field, and lacrosse––three new sports the school added. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for the school’s homecoming weekend Oct. 8-11. “We do a better job educating and preparing Black boys for college than any other school,” said Zeb Mclaurin, the school’s board of trustees chair. “Renovations will include larger classrooms, three full-service science labs, two new math classrooms, new windows and light fixtures, and a remodeled parking lot.” The 200-student school will welcome 48 new freshmen when school begins later this month, Mclaurin added. And unlike other private schools that are facing closure or raising tuition, Mclaurin said annual tuition at Hales would remain at $6,500, and “there are no plans to close the school especially since we are spending $1 million a week this summer renovating the campus.” ______ Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
