New Summit School received approval from the Planning Commission this week to present plans for the school's relocation and expansion to the City Council.
Dr. Nancy Boyll, executive director for New Summit Schools in both Jackson and Greenwood, said they received full support from the commission.
The next City Council meeting is April 3.
New Summit has permission to lease land from North Park Church of God of Prophecy on Yalobusha Street at the back of their property. They plan to bring in modular classrooms.
"It's a partnership," said Carl Thach, principal.
New Summit students will be able to use the church gym, cafeteria area and fellowship hall.
North Park's pastor finds the partnership appealing because of his church's interest in young people.
"I'm excited about it and really looking forward to it, if we get everything worked out. It's exciting what's it's going to do for the community," said Rev. Jim Kelly. "Anything we can do for young people - that is one of our church's main focuses."
If the City Council approves the school's plans, the proposal will be submitted to the church.
New Summit School emphasizes small instructional groups and diverse learning needs. The school likes to limit classes to between 10 and 12 students, said coordinator Susan Floyd.
New Summit School in Greenwood began in the spring of 2005 with two students, Floyd said. Now it has more than 50.
The capacity at the new site would be around 70 students, Thach said.
New Summit has definitely outgrown the strip shopping center in which it has been meeting on West Park Avenue. Administrators are excited that they wouldn't be bumping elbows at the proposed location.
"We're just tickled to death for North Park and all the people who have helped us," Thach said.
A student population that increased so rapidly sometimes had its growing pains, he said.
Boyll also will be the administrator for New Delta Preparatory School, which is under construction.
She said she is excited that New Delta will add even more educational options to the area.
New Delta's mission is to offer a rigorous curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses, and specialized electives.
