It is called the Dr. Charles T. Epps, Jr. Freshman Academy at Lincoln High School and marks a new venue for the school life of ninth grade students in the Jersey City Public School District.

In an effort to provide a comprehensive education and curricular activity program for the ninth grade students, the district has embarked on a plan to create a Freshman Academy at the district’s high schools.

The first such Freshman Academy opened in the Fall of 2005 at Lincoln High School. Originally, the building at 2 Harrison Avenue served as Board of Education offices and later was utilized for other programs.

Over 400 ninth grade students call the aesthetic building “home” as they pursue an enriching educational program.

The Freshman Academy at Lincoln High School features three stories. It represents the existing building of 17,790 square feet which was gutted to create a modern educational environment and learning center.

The district built an addition of 24,500 square feet.

There still remains a scene of historic features to the complex and historic neighborhood. The school district preserved skylights, balcony and stonework of the original building in cooperation with the New Jersey State Historic Preservation office.

The school district named the complex the “Dr. Charles T. Epps Freshman Academy” in view of his commitment to a unique educational environment devoted exclusively to ninth grade students for their educational and personal development.