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By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University and Valiant Cross Academy (VCA), a private all-boys school in Montgomery, are partnering to address the educational gap for young elementary students. At a news conference today, the organizations announced the new VCA Elementary School will launch at ASU’s Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center.
The school is expected to open in October 2025, with 65 to 70 students already enrolled. It will start by serving kindergarten through third grade with plans to expand to fifth grade in the future. For now, the school is called Valiant Cross Elementary School at Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center.
University leaders, students, friends, and VCA partners gathered for the ceremony to celebrate the beginning of this important new project. Young students from VCA, including future attendees of the new elementary school, were also there.
“This university/elementary school partnership can increase the educational experiences for students and provide a foundation for college readiness to students at an early age,” ASU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., said. “So, we are proud to announce that Alabama State University is the new home for Valiant Cross Academy’s new elementary school…It demonstrates how education can come full circle.”
Ross highlighted the significant impact of an initial $2,000 investment in the Valiant Cross brothers in 2014 when he was in the Alabama State Senate, noting that their dream has culminated in a nationally recognized school producing scholars worldwide.
“I’m proud to welcome home two sons of Alabama State University, their alma mater,” Ross added.
Dr. Anthony Brock, VCA Head of School, announced plans for VCA to open an elementary school in 2024. The decision to establish the VCA Elementary School at the Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center was particularly meaningful, as it was where he and his brother, Fred (VCA co-founder), began their own educational journeys.
“I have a deep connection to ASU, which means a lot to me and my family. I’m a two-time graduate of ASU, and my first school ever was Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center,” said Brock. “All my siblings and family members attended ASU. So, we have a different love and passion for ASU. Alabama State is who I am, and I wouldn’t be who I am without Alabama State….I’m a Hornet through and through.”
Brock, who is also a member of ASU’s Foundation Board, recounted a pivotal conversation with Dr. Ross about housing the new elementary school. "Dr. Ross said there were a couple of buildings he wanted to show me on campus. When he said Zelia Stephens' building, hair literally stood up on my arms. God brought us back full circle from where we started," he said.
Under ASU’s CommUniversity initiative, a cornerstone of Alabama State University’s Focus 2030 Strategic Plan, this partnership is designed to provide comprehensive educational resources and experiences.
“At the heart of ASU’s mission lies CommUniversity, which helps build bridges by creating meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations that contribute to the growth and well-being of both the University and the community it serves,” Ross further explained.
The partnership aims to achieve several key objectives: create pathways for Valiant Cross graduates to pursue higher education at ASU, including access to scholarships, internships and career readiness initiatives; and provide dual enrollment opportunities for Valiant Cross high school students to earn college credits.
“This collaborative partnership aims to strengthen relationships between the two campuses through a variety of programs and opportunities,” emphasized Ross.