Mentors needed for Roanoke’s new overage academy

Roanoke City Schools is recruiting mentors for students at the new overage academy.

The academy was specially created for 7th through 12th graders who are 1 to 2 years behind grade level.

About 200 students are already enrolled.  That’s 100 more than the school system expected to sign up.

The principal of the school, Eric Anderson, says not only will mentors play a role in the students lives, but technology will too.  Anderson says the academy will be technology driven.

The academy was the vision of Superintendent Dr. Rita Bishop, as one way to improve the system’s 57% graduation rate.

The school system wants mentors to help students reach their graduation goal.

Eric Anderson says the mentors will be there, “To really just offer support, have our students be accountable to them, to push them to accelerate their process, hopefully lead them to graduation.“

The academy is located at the former Forest Park Elementary School.  The building is undergoing a major renovation.  It is getting new carpeting, a new roof, and fresh paint.

School starts September 2nd.