New school building to replace empty lot in South Bronx

Classical Charter School IV will soon be getting its first home of its own.
Representatives from the school and civic builders broke ground on their new facility at 156th Street and Concourse Village West.
Lester Long, executive director of Classical Charter Schools, says the new building will be four stories, 54,000 square feet and will contain a full basketball court, a science lab and more.
When the newest South Bronx Classical Charter School opened in August 2017, it had to share a building with Classical Charter School III.
The project is renovating an empty lot into a school that will eventually house 500 students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Classical Charter Schools have been recognized by the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program.
Educators are confident students will continue to thrive at the location that's just a few blocks away from where they currently are.
"We believe kids of all backgrounds can achieve great things," Tryon said. "About 90% of our kids are passing their exams in grades 3-8. We know we can do it, no matter where our schools are located so we're excited to enter this part of the South Bronx."