Completion of “phase one” construction on the Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design, and a temporary certificate of occupancy, allowed the new trade school to welcome its inaugural class of ninth graders in time for the first day of school on Sept. 2.

More than 200 freshmen are enrolled at Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design, a conversion of the former St. James Hospital at 155 Jefferson St. in the East Ward into a public high school for architecture and trades, such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical.

“Welcome home!” said Principal Soraia Mendes to freshmen who had gathered in the cafeteria for their orientation on Friday, Aug. 29. “This is your home. We made history today.”

In May, the Board of Education approved the final lease amendment with the building’s deve

See Full Page