Kate Kennedy with Ansley Scholars

The Boyce L. Ansley School, a tuition free, private school for children of families who have experienced homelessness, is moving to a larger location. The school is leasing the first floor of 120 Ralph McGill Boulevard beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. The 12,000 square foot facility is located just one block from the school’s current location at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, its home since opening in 2018. The new site features larger classrooms, assembly areas, offices and an outdoor play space, said Kate Kennedy, Founder and President of The Ansley School.

Ralph McGill Facade

“The mission of the school has been strongly validated since its opening,” Kennedy said. “The number of children without stable housing who fall through the cracks of the educational system is overwhelming. We just did not realize how quickly we would need a plan to manage our growth.” The Ansley School anticipates serving 45 children next school year.

Most recently home to a children’s educational program, the school’s new headquarters were renovated in 2013 and are move-in ready. The Ansley school’s multiyear lease includes a potential option to expand within the building or to purchase ownership of the space. Mrs. Kennedy and Rev. Ed Bacon, Interim Rector of St Luke’s Episcopal Church, describe the move as “an expansion of St Luke’s growing campus of miracles.”

The Ansley School also named its first principal. Kelly Astin Wix comes to Atlanta following a national search that yielded dozens of applicants. Wix spent the past seven years working to create a public education system in the United Arab Emirates. Prior to that she led the establishment and growth of the Treasure Village Montessori Charter School in the Florida Keys which became known throughout the district as a school community that nurtured students from a variety of backgrounds.

Kelly Wix

A career educator, Wix has spent twenty-eight years promoting, starting, and sustaining innovative programs that benefit underserved students who do succeed in traditional public-school systems.

“Mrs. Wix has a strong track record of building programs both in the United States and abroad,” said Kennedy. “She is known for her ability to unite staff, students, and families from diverse religious, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds to create community and build a positive school climate serving the whole child.”

As Principal, Mrs. Wix will lead the day-to-day operations and guide educational philosophy. Kennedy, Founder and President, will focus on fundraising, strategic vision, and community engagement. Both will report to the Board of Directors.
Founded in 2018 in space generously donated by St Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Boyce L. Ansley School is a 501c(3) not-for-profit tuition-free private school with a mission to help children and their families break the cycle of generational poverty. The fully accredited school provides students with an excellent education and collaborative family support in a nurturing and faith-inspired environment.

From a single classroom with 12 students, The Ansley School (TAS) has grown to serve 45 young scholars in 3 classrooms with plans to add a grade each year until it becomes a pre- K through 8th grade school.

There are almost 2,000 children experiencing homelessness in Atlanta schools—and countless more who are not even enrolled. Trauma, disrupted education, and challenging circumstances leave them struggling academically. At TAS, we believe that children experiencing homelessness can be successful in a school where their social and emotional needs are recognized and met, and parents are coached and involved. TAS accomplishes this through small class size (7.5:1 student/teacher ratio), individualized instruction, trauma-informed teaching and learning and emphasis on social and emotional development, and recognition of the key role families play in a child’s academic success through an Intensive Family Support Program. Aftercare, transportation, meals and snacks, uniforms and school supplies are provided free of charge.

For more on The Ansley School, visit their website.

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