The Little Rock School District (LRSD) has expanded its educational infrastructure with the grand opening of the Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy (MGLK8). A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official launch of this state-of-the-art institution, located at 9417 Geyer Springs Road. The event was a vibrant celebration, featuring a laser show and indoor sparklers, attended by hundreds of community members eager to witness the unveiling of this modern educational facility.
Dr. Marian G. Lacey, the school’s namesake, was remembered and honored throughout the ceremony. A distinguished educator and administrator who dedicated 30 years to the District, Dr. Lacey’s legacy continues to inspire the LRSD community even after her passing in 2017. Her commitment to education is further memorialized through LRSD’s top teacher award, also named in her honor. The opening of MGLK8 is a culmination of nearly two years of dedicated effort since the groundbreaking ceremony, which was attended by Dr. Lacey’s family, students, parents, teachers, and local dignitaries – many of whom returned to celebrate this significant milestone. This new academy stands as a testament to the enduring impact of her work and the LRSD’s commitment to fostering educational excellence.
Built on the former McClellan High School site, MGLK8 is designed to accommodate approximately 1,400 students from the Baseline and Meadowcliff elementary zones, as well as Cloverdale Middle School. The construction of this impressive three-story building involved significant site work, including the excavation of over 50,000 cubic yards of earth and the use of over 1,100 tons of steel. The expansive 13-acre campus is thoughtfully designed with a new entry drive, dedicated drop-off lanes for parents and buses, and ample parking for staff and visitors, ensuring smooth and safe access for everyone.
The academy’s facilities are truly state-of-the-art, boasting 84 modern classrooms, a multi-purpose cafetorium, and a competition-level gymnasium with a seating capacity of 1,500. Beyond the standard amenities, MGLK8 offers specialized spaces including a broadcast studio, a well-equipped media center, a professional kitchen, advanced science labs, dedicated music and art rooms, a dance studio, project labs, and maker spaces. Notably, the academy also houses the District’s only FEMA-certified tornado shelter, underscoring LRSD’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its students and staff. The outdoor areas are equally impressive, featuring new landscaping and irrigation systems, contemporary playgrounds, a sensory garden designed for Special Education, and plans for a future football field, creating a holistic and enriching learning environment. These comprehensive facilities are designed to support a wide range of educational and extracurricular activities, potentially including future After Care Program Lrsd Ein initiatives to further support students and families within the community.
“The inauguration of the Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy is a landmark event for our community,” stated Dr. Jermall Wright, LRSD Superintendent. “This institution not only honors Dr. Lacey, an exceptional educator, but also reaffirms our dedication to delivering top-tier education and opportunities to all students, irrespective of their location. We extend our sincere gratitude to the voters and our community for their steadfast support in bringing this vision to life.” The design and construction of MGLK8 were a collaborative effort, with valuable input from students, parents, and teachers incorporated by Cromwell Architects. The vision was expertly executed by the Clark and Con-Real Construction teams.
The Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy is set to open its doors this fall under the leadership of Principal Don Porter. In a touching tribute, Principal Porter honored Dr. Lacey’s legacy and welcomed McClellan High School alumni by creating a dedicated “Legacy Room,” symbolizing the shared history and future of both school communities. This new academy is poised to become a cornerstone of the Little Rock community, providing an exceptional educational foundation for generations to come.
