The new Ironbound Academy Elementary School Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Today, Superintendent León and members of the Newark Board of Education celebrated the opening of Ironbound Academy Elementary School, making it the eighth new school the district has opened since it’s return to local control in 2018.  

The inauguration of Ironbound Academy Elementary School as a new elementary school in the district is a realization of the goals and priorities outlined in the ten-year strategic, The Next Decade: 2020-30. The opening of Ironbound Academy Elementary School comes on the heels of burgeoning student enrollment in the district, now reaching over 38,000 students. Superintendent León stated, “This school is developing from something that has already demonstrated its greatness. We will continue creating opportunities for students and families by providing access to new innovative schools worthy of their enrollment.” 

Ironbound Academy Elementary School services kindergarten through fourth grade and will grow one grade yearly until it reaches the eighth grade. The school’s core values are Innovators who are Responsible, Optimistic, and Nice to others (IRON), and will be guided in part by Project Lead The Way. PLTW prides itself on tapping into the curious nature of students, immersing them in hands-on activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the real world while making learning feel like play.

“I am honored to be the first principal of Ironbound Academy Elementary School, where we build strong academic and social/emotional foundations to serve a diverse community of students. We are excited to see our students reach their fullest potential and become Innovators who are Responsible, Optimistic, and Nice to others,” said Principal Erica Paich.

“Superintendent León and the Board have consistently honored the commitment made to the families of Newark by expanding school opportunities for all Newark students” said Board President Haynes. “While this is our eighth school, we look forward to additional announcements of our portfolio of school options for families,” she said.

Joining Superinten-dent León and Principal Paich today were Board Member Council, Board Member Williams, As-semblywoman Pintor-Ma-rin, Councilman Silva, Chief of Staff Nazario and Assistant Superin-tendent Dr. Harrington.

“This is an amazing day for the Ironbound, the East Ward, and the City of Newark because we get another much-needed school… I want to thank Superintendent Leon and Mayor Ras Baraka for making this happen,” said Councilman Silva.