Ida B. Wells Academy
Coverage of Ida B. Wells Academy in the Nexus archive.
- Memphis leaders decide to keep Ida B. Wells open despite school closure vote in February
Memphis-Shelby County Schools will keep Ida B. Wells Academy open for at least one more year by relocating its students and staff to Norris Achievement Academy, despite a February vote to close the underenrolled school. The decision followed community support and concerns about the school's $6 million facility repair needs, though the district plans to close up to 10 schools by 2028.
- Memphis students are graduating from closing schools. But one beloved program could be revived.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools is closing Ida B. Wells Academy, a K-8 school, due to underenrollment and costs. The district plans to transfer the school's program to Norris Achievement Academy, an alternative school, but uncertainty remains about how students and staff will transition. The final graduation ceremony highlighted both celebration and emotional farewells.