South Bend’s newest high School, The Portage School of Leaders, is opening on August 9th in downtown South Bend.

The school is located in the former Temple Beth-El building at 305 W. Madison Street. The school will be under the umbrella of the Career & Success Academy of South Bend. It will have 150 students.

"From a student perspective this school is going to include a lot of student choice and a lot of student voice,” says Dr. Jeremy Lugbill, Superintendent for Career & Success Academy. "They’re going to be a part of creating those learning experiences."

First established in 2011, Career Academy leaders say their numbers continue to grow, which has led them to have to close enrollment for students due to lack of space. They have had plans for quite some time to establish another high school.

They just needed a building. With South Bend's Temple Beth-El moving to McKinley Avenue, that left this space available.

"I think it's a win for the city and for the community!” Lugbill exclaims. “This building is going to be used to serve students and continue to create meaningful outcomes for students.”

Applications are open now for the new high school, and admission will be granted on a first-come first-serve basis.

“We want students that are going to be creative, that are going to be curious, that are going to think outside the box when they’re trying to problem solve," explains Lugbill.

Dr. Andrew Hoyt will serve as the Head of School at the Portage School of Leaders. While he spent a lot of time in South Bend, he served as the Interim Head of School at La Lumiere in LaPorte. Hoyt is no stranger to building a high school from the ground up. He helped establish Christo Ray Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston.

“There’s a special energy that comes when you’re starting something, when you’re founding something together,” explains Hoyt. “There’s a great sense of belonging and shared purpose when you have a vision and you’re bringing that vision into reality."

The Portage School of Leaders will host several open houses this summer, where interested families can learn more about the school and the programs provided.

For more information about the Portage School of Leaders, or to enroll your student at the school, visit the Career Academy of South Bend's website.