The Academies of Math and Science (AMS), an advanced K-8 STEM school charter school network with 7 locations, are breaking ground in Avondale on Saturday, Dec. 14. AMS CEO Kim Chayka will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony celebration from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 10649 W. Buckeye Rd. at the crossroads of Buckeye Road and 107th Avenue. The AMS school in Avondale is a replication school of the Academy of Math and Science Prince, the 2016 Arizona Charter School of the Year.

“We are excited to bring our award-winning school network to the Avondale area,” Mr. Chayka said. “We have had hundreds of requests from parents for our campus in the far west valley. The vision of our organization is to provide an unparalleled education to communities lacking options, and we hope to deliver just that for the kids, parents, and community in this neighborhood.”

Avondale City Councilmember and Arizona House of Representatives District 19 Representative Lorenzo Sierra will be speaking at the ceremony. The new campus, the Academy of Math and Science Avondale, is expected to enroll 1,075 students. The school’s goal will be to transform the neighborhood by providing a college-preparatory Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) focused education supplemented by music, art, and foreign language classes, all taught by expert teachers. In addition to an academically rigorous program, the AMS program includes an extended school day and year, extracurricular enrichment, and parent support via homework help, academic clubs and teams, sports, and affordable care.

“Parents in the area are concerned that their child’s full potential is not being met,” Mr. Chayka explained further. “They worry that they’re not being challenged enough and find that their other options are lacking. We are here to help these students become scholars.”

The groundbreaking event will be hosted in partnership with Adolfson & Peterson Construction and will feature parent information booths, free food, a bounce house, and activities for kids. The event is free and open to the public.