New school opens in Orlando's Parramore neighborhood

Parents and students who live in and around Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood got a first look Wednesday evening at what Orange County Public School District calls a “Community Partnership School.”

It marks the first time in 46 years that students who live in the downtrodden community adjacent to downtown will attend a school in their neighborhood.

Students at the pre-school through eighth grade school at Livingston and Parramore will have unprecedented on-campus access to  a Boys & Girls Club, a health clinic run by Orange Blossom Pediatrics, and tutoring and mentoring through the University of Central Florida and Valencia College. 

“I think it’s unique in the nation!” said school board member Kat Gordon. “Who in the world would dream of something like this!”

The youngest student will be two years old and attend a pre-school program funded by hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen.  Each student who attends OCPS ACE and graduates from nearby Jones Highs School is promised a scholarship to a two-or-four year college or trade school through the Rosen Foundation.

Rosen said he hopes the school lets the students “know that they will have as great an opportunity as youngsters in the more affluent communities.”