Helix Academy coming to Opelousas to educate students on A.I.
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- Just off of I-49 in Opelousas, this field will soon be transformed into the Helix A.I. And Medical Academy, creating more opportunity for growth and education in St. Landry Parish.
Preston Castille, president of Helix A.I., explains why he believes A.I. is important and is beneficial to educate students.
"We think that A.I. not only will impact Acadiana of course, but it is impacting the world. We want our students to be prepared to take on the challenges of what the world may bring," said Castille.
The academy finalized a land deal beside the Our Savior's Church in Opelousas ensuring the campus will be built on the 25-acre property, giving them the opportunity to work with local medical facilities and give their students valuable experience.
As Castille says the academy looks forward to creating opportunities for their new students, Bill Rodier with St. Landry Economic Development says it will also continue the growth of the parish's booming economy.
"Who doesn't want a new school in their area? That's just a good type of development to have. We've got a lot of new healthcare facilities that are going up around here, we're going to have a lot of young families coming into this area. The school itself is probably going to be used for some type of community related assets. It's almost in itself a little catalyst in the redevelopment here," said Rodier.
While the school is opening up opportunity for families to make their way into St. Landry parish, school board member Anthony Standberry also looks at the new academy as a chance for students to be even better prepared for a future filled with technology.
"It was an opportunity for our students to advance and move them up to what's coming up in the future. A.I. and they're also offering some medical courses for our kids. It's the way of the future so we can continue to provide for our kids in the best way possible," said Standberry.
Castille says the school will be built in phases, with phase one preparing for their kindergarten through fifth grade students, progressively moving up to 12th grade.
The goal is to have the new academy ready to open its doors in 2025.