In 2005, Alabama pastor Dr. Ruby Eldridge founded Pure Word Academy (now Prichard Preparatory School) so children in her church could receive a high-quality education that would help them escape poverty. “Miss Ruby,” as she was known, wanted to give parents an affordable option for a college-prep school that was on par with what wealthier families could access.

Today, the school is led by Portia Green, who joined the community as a parent in 2011, served as a teacher and administrator, and was named principal in 2020. Portia says she “fell in love with the school, its mission, and how teachers love the kids in a unique way” from the beginning. She says faith, character, art, reading, music, and technology are all emphasized.

Prichard Prep serves children from pre-K4 through 5^th grade. There is currently one class per grade level with a maximum of 16 students per class. The school is planning to expand to offer two classes per grade level, starting with pre-K4 in fall 2023.

In keeping with Miss Ruby’s goal of providing an affordable option for families, all students receive a $6,000 scholarship. For the 2023–24 school year, the cost per student is around $8,500, but parents pay $2,500 per student. Alabama’s tax credit scholarship, which is used by 35% of students, helps bridge that gap. Around 65% of Prichard families qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program.

The mission at Prichard Prep is “to educate students academically, spiritually, and culturally, and to develop their character in preparation for their pursuit of collegiate degrees.” There’s a rigorous curriculum that promotes hands-on learning. Prichard Prep is a non-denominational Christian school; teachers serve as mentors for students to encourage Christian attitudes, kindness, prayer, and self-control. By providing students with this solid foundation, the school hopes they will become future leaders in the Mobile area.

Desmond Malone, Sr., and his wife have two children—4^th grader Desmond and 1^st grader Marleigh—at Prichard Prep. “My wife and I, and the kids love the school. They are learning a lot and it shows,” he says. “The school has had an astounding impact on both kids, but especially on Desmond. We recently found out that he has ADHD, and for a period of time, he began falling behind. Once he was diagnosed and started on medication, he has made a complete turnaround.” He appreciated that his son’s teacher recognized the problem and approached them respectfully about it. Two of Desmond Sr.’s nieces and a nephew also attend Prichard Prep, and he says the kids all enjoy it.

Tarrica Lacy is another parent who loves Prichard Prep, which she sees as “a small community that shares the same goals and aspirations as I do.” She appreciates that she feels safe dropping her son off at school each day—and that he also feels safe. “The staff is phenomenal; they truly have the kids’ best interest at heart. My son has thrived there since kindergarten. He is now in the 3rd grade,” she says. “The principal is always doing the absolute most she can. I appreciate her, she is very transparent with us and keeps us in the know. I don’t have to wonder what’s going on at my child’s school. Every staff member does their part.…Prichard Prep is ‘Top Tier.’ If you want to see your child excel and bloom spiritually, learn a second language, learn music, and have one of the best academic plans around, this is the school for you. Our children’s future starts with us.”

When Covid first hit, parents didn’t want to return to in-person learning at first. “We were able to provide online education in August 2020,” says Portia. “After around three weeks, parents were knocking on the door asking to return. In September 2020, we opened our doors and have been there ever since. Our local public schools were closed, so we had a lot of interest. But we were full and couldn’t take most.”

Last fall, Prichard won a $200,000 award as one of 32 semifinalists—out of more than 2,700 applications—for the Yass Prize for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless Education (STOP). Portia represented Prichard at the Yass Prize summit in New York City in December. “I’m overwhelmed with joy,” she says. “I look at this small school in Prichard, Alabama, and that I was able to represent it nationally. It’s an honor. This is not just a job. It’s definitely a ministry.”