New Foundations CEO: High school will open across the street from existing building

If things go according to plan, New Foundations High School will be open to students next fall. The new space will across the street from the existing K through 9 building at Rhawn Street and Torresdale Avenue at 4850 Rhawn St. Ninth and 10th graders are currently housed in a temporary spot at Franklin Towne Charter.

Holmesburg residents had one immediate concern at Tuesday night’s civic association meeting: parking. CEO Paul Stadelberger was at the ready, knowing already the congestion around Torresdale and Rhawn near Holmesburg Station would prove a sticking point with neighbors.

Here’s how the school will approach the issue: Only honor roll seniors will be allowed to drive to school and use the 125-space parking spot alongside the faculty. SEPTA will increase its routes during arrival and dismissal, and there won’t be any yellow buses. Drop-offs will be routed through the parking lot.

The building is an unused three-story structure adjacent to Holmesburg Station. New Foundations will keep the existing structure but the two smaller side buildings, Stadelberger said.

The school has already applied for a zoning variance and will appear before the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a public hearing Sept. 21.

According to the NFCS website, the K through 9 school serves more than 700 students; the high school will have about 650, and Stadelberger expects them to be in place by September 2012. The gym and auditorium may not be ready by then, though, as the project is expected to take 15 to 18 months.