The School of Unlimited Learning, known as SOUL, recently welcomed students back to classes inside a facility so new that the scent of fresh paint still lingers in the hallways.
"We are so excited about our new building that we have," said Dr. Dion Varnado, superintendent-principal of SOUL Charter High School. "We believe that if students are going to have an excellent learning experience, they need an excellent learning environment."
SOUL serves high school students through both traditional and hybrid learning models. According to Varnado, the campus has a unique history.
The property was originally a Jewish synagogue before being donated for educational use. It first served students experiencing housing instability before evolving into the charter high school it is today.
Over the past year, the building underwent a complete renovation designed to better meet the needs of students and staff.
"We want to provide more options and more choice," Varnado said. "The traditional structure that we had here was kind of limited, and then also over time, you know, you have a need for new updates, new technology, new furniture."
The remodeled facility now includes five classrooms equipped with new flooring, desks, cabinets and interactive smart boards. Students also have access to a new science laboratory and a dedicated counseling office.
Prior to the renovation, some classes were held in spaces such as the theater and recreation room. Now, students are learning in classrooms specifically designed for instruction with plenty of one-on-one help.
"We have a total enrollment of about 200 kids," Varnado said. "So each classroom usually has no more than about 15 kids in it at a time."
School leaders say the upgraded facility reflects an investment in both student achievement and student support.
Handmade signs welcomed the SOUL Stingers back to campus, and Varnado said students have already begun settling into their new surroundings.
"Our kids are the best, and so we want them to have the best opportunity to have all of the options and all of the support that's needed for them to be successful," he said. "We hope that they just embrace the opportunity and make the most of it."
The community will have an opportunity to tour the renovated building during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. in downtown Fresno.
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