Steve Bontekoe

Staff Photo by Adam Crisp Mobile classrooms were installed this week at Ivy Academy off Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy. Steve Bontekoe, the school's director of porgrams and operations, said the buildings still need utilities to be connected before they can be occupied.

Ivy Academy leaders moved the school's portable classrooms into place this week-- a key step to opening the environmentally themed charter school by August.

The school faces a June 30 Hamilton County School system deadline to have a certificate of occupancy to comply with its contract.

Ivy's three buildings still need running water, electricity and a nearby fire hydrant to comply with the Tuesday deadline. School leaders wouldn't say that they'll be ready by that deadline.

"We'll be ready for the kids on Aug. 12," said Chris Daly, chairman of Ivy Academy's board of directors, referring to the start date for all Hamilton County schools.

Crews were busy Thursday ripping up a portion of Dayton Pike to install a main waterline for the school, just as the final portable classroom was being hauled into place.

School leaders were optimistic about the progress, saying the classrooms should help recruit students.

"We're excited," Mr. Daly said. "The school is coming together. It's starting to get fun. Now we're getting through the necessary preparation work, and now it's about the students."

The school already has about 45 students committed to attend on the first day of class, officials said. It can accommodate as many as 60, but needs only 40 to satisfy its budgetary needs, leaders have said.

"The buildings being in place gives current and prospective students a visual of their new school home and outdoor learning environment, as well as the potential for outdoor learning and environmental stewardship," said Steve Bontekoe, director of programs and operations for the school.

The portable classrooms will be used only in inclement weather, academy officials said, and they plan to hold most of their classes outdoors.

"Our primary classroom has been under construction for thousands of years," Mr. Bontekoe said.

INTERESTED IN IVY?

Ivy Academy still is accepting students. The environmentally themed school takes students outdoors for lessons that incorporate nature into all aspects of learning. To learn more about the school, visit ivyacademychattanooga.com.