Young Audiences Charter Schools Acquires Athlos Facility for New Terrytown Campus

Young Audiences Charter Schools (YACS) will expand its footprint in Jefferson Parish for the 2026–2027 school year through the acquisition of the current Athlos Academy campus, located at 979 Behrman Hwy, Terrytown, LA 70056, which will close at the end of this academic year.“This is an incredible opportunity to expand access to a high-quality, arts-integrated education in a growing and vibrant community,” said Erica Seeman, Board President Young Audiences Charter Schools.YACS CEO Rickie Nutik added that the expansion will enhance facilities and programming for students to grow its high-performing, arts-integrated academic model on the Westbank. YACS currently operates four campuses: Little YACS, YACS at Kate Middleton, and YACS at Burmaster in Jefferson Parish; and YACS at Lawrence D. Crocker in Orleans Parish.The newly acquired campus—opened in 2018—features modern, state-of-the-art amenities, including large classrooms, expansive outdoor space, a performance stage for the arts, and upgraded athletic facilities, including a 90,000-square-foot indoor turf and basketball complex.The transition provides a pathway for the current 903 Athlos students to enroll within the Young Audiences Charter Schools network, with the campus transitioning to local oversight within Jefferson Parish and aligning with YACS’ established network of community-based schools. For current Athlos students residing in Orleans Parish, YACS at Lawrence D. Crocker will provide a seamless option within the network.There are more than 650 students currently served at the Kate Middleton and Little YACS campuses in Jefferson, which will become part of a unified Westbank network designed to expand opportunities for students and families.YACS plans to serve students in grades PK–6 at the new Terrytown campus, while its existing Burmaster campus will transition to serve grades 7–12, creating a seamless academic pathway.As the only tuition-free K–12 arts-integrated charter school network on the Westbank, YACS will offer families continuity from elementary through high school, including automatic admission to its B-rated high school.“This new campus allows us to enhance everything that makes YACS special—from increased arts programming and athletics to modern learning spaces designed to support student success,” said Nutik. “We are excited to welcome new families and continue building a school experience where students thrive academically, creatively, and personally.”The transition will allow YACS to increase opportunities in both the arts and athletics, while maintaining its commitment to strong academic outcomes. Students will continue to benefit from tuition-free programming, including free after-school arts, athletics and enrichment programs and summer camp opportunities.Located in a safe, growing area of Terrytown, the new campus positions YACS to better serve Westbank families with a fresh, modern learning environment tailored to student needs.YACS currently serves students across Jefferson and Orleans Parishes and is known for its arts-integrated curriculum, strong school culture, and commitment to student engagement and achievement.