On July 31, 2026, JS Clark Leadership Academy (JSCLA) celebrated the opening of its new 54,000-square-foot campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together students, families, faculty, and community leaders.  

Built With the Community, For the Community 

JSCLA opened in 2012 with a mission to pair academics with hands-on career preparation. Through a dual-enrollment partnership with South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc), students can graduate with both a high school diploma and up to 60 college credits. 

The campus includes science labs, a technology repair station, a 550-seat gymnasium with a weight room and locker rooms, a football practice field, and a commercial kitchen with an on-site chef. 

JSCLA’s founder and CEO, Dr. Tiffanie Lewis, captured what the moment means for the school community, sharing that the campus finally reflects the excellence and hard work students bring every day, and that she hopes every student who walks through the doors feels a sense of belonging and possibility. 

Hear It From the People Who Built It 

Numbers and square footage only tell part of the story. To really understand what this campus means to the students, the educators, and the community that rallied behind it, watch our video. In it, the voices behind the project share their own perspective on what today’s opening represents. 

Want the Full Story? 

Building Hope has published a full article with more detail on the project, the partnership, and the vision behind it. Read the complete story on Building Hope’s website.