New Mastery school opens in Camden

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- The first day of school at the new Mastery Cramer Hill Elementary in Camden. And students have lots of goals for the school year.

Anijae Bethea, an 8th grade student, "Good grades as always and a nice year."

The brand new 34-million dollar, 80-thousand square foot facility for 750 kindergarten through 8th graders sits at State Street and River Avenue.

Inside, large windows flood natural light into classrooms. This art room comes with a view. The cafeteria, the library with digital resources, and outside a playground and soccer field are in the works.

One mother, Jeannette Gonzalez said,"They were so excited, woke up so early in the morning, mom I want to go to school,and here they are."

Another mother, Shavonna Bethea said, "Camden needs a new facility. Starting new, everything's new, sure why not."

Action News was there last October when parents, students and officials, including the mayor and superintendent signed a steel beam, which was then raised into position.

The school, built in partnership with the Camden City School District, brings together two former elementary schools operated by Mastery - North Camden and Cramer Hill.

Joe Ferguson, COO said, "The state and the school district believe that part of what we can do for kids and provide them a good opportunity by rebuilding facilities. A lot of the facilities in the city are crumbling and deteriorating."

A new building year, a new school year, for these children the possibilities seem endless.

"The kids are great, the teachers are ready, and we're ready," Ferguson said.

Daniel Rodriguez, a 3rd grader said, "I think it's actually going to be amazing."

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