Thurgood Marshall Academy opens in FW

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- Fort Wayne's new Thurgood Marshall Leadership Academy welcomed students for its first day of classes ever on Monday.

The school is being run by the Fort Wayne Urban League inside the old Zion Academy on Hanna Street. Approximately 140 students from kindergarten through 8th grade are enrolled for its first year.

"It's very exciting just to be able to start something new, something that affects students in a positive way," said Nicole Chisley, principal at Thurgood Marshall. "They're going to have high expectations and I know they're all going to meet them. Today has been the smoothest day I've ever had opening a school, so this has been awesome."

The college prep academy will emphasize social justice and civic leadership, and Chisley added that they're also making an effort to include students' parents.

"This morning we had so many parents in the classroom, and it was awesome with them just being there to see what's going on with their kids, so they'll be able to help their children more at home," she said. "When they see how their child's day goes, they'll be more helpful to their kids at home, and then they feel more a part of the school."