Principal Stephanie Tate presented Park Medical Academy’s progress to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on Nov. 6, saying the school has grown enrollment and shown gains on reading assessments since adopting a medical-focused model.

Tate, who identified herself as the principal of Park Medical Academy since 2016, said the school now serves about 342 students, “95% economically disadvantaged, 98% African American, 29% ESS and 1% EL students.” She said enrollment has increased by about 60 students since the school developed a medical focus and partnership with Baton Rouge General, which provides hospital tours and curriculum supports.

The presentation included student work showcases and assessment data. Tate said the school’s DIBELS fluency data rose from 31% at the start of one year to 51% at the end, and reported a 30% growth figure in the current year with an enrollment increase to 190 students in that cohort. She described twice-yearly showcases where students present medical projects — examples given included digestive-system units, diabetes education and student-run eye and hearing checks for younger students.

Board members asked about staff morale, transitions to middle school and literacy interventions. Board member Carla Powell Lewis asked Tate how she keeps staff motivated; Tate described an open-door policy, informal staff rituals ("red bean Mondays," potlucks) and staff autonomy for project-based learning. In response to a question from Board member Martin about K–3 literacy, Tate said the school is focusing on phonemic awareness and intervention, and that one-on-one tutoring remains critical. She identified digital platforms in use (Amira and Lexia) but emphasized the need for face-to-face intervention and volunteers for tutoring.

Tate also said Park Medical Academy is a K–8 campus and that the school graduated its first eighth-grade class in May. Board members praised the school’s community engagement and asked the board to continue supporting interventions and staffing needed for literacy gains.

The presentation was for information; there was no board action tied specifically to the school presentation.