SE Raleigh combo school and YMCA off to a strong start

It has the feel of a day at summer camp, with fifth graders lining up to spend an hour taking a dip in the on-site pool.

The pool and other perks are part of the unique collaboration that has paired a YMCA on the campus of the new Southeast Raleigh Elementary School.

"The swimming program is awesome," said Dave Jones, a teacher at SE Raleigh Elementary. "I have to say it's probably the happiest I see the kids all week."

The swimming program is part of Physical Education for the students and it's made possible because the school shares a building with a YMCA.

It's a partnership that was dreamed up about six years ago and is now a reality.

"Even today. people are thinking how is going to work, you know a 'Y' and a school?" said Principal Cheryl Holland Fenner.

So far, it's working well.

The students attend classes on one side of the building while residents of the community come in to enjoy the workout facility on the other side of the building. The school and YMCA share amenities like the pool and a teaching kitchen.

Security was a priority for the designers so while the school and YMCA share a main entrance, people must be buzzed in by a school staff member to have access to hallways and classrooms.

The 32-acre "Beacon" Campus is hoping to prop up a community that many feel has been largely underserved in the past.

The area has one of the highest unemployment rates and lowest reading levels in Wake County.

"Everything that we do and what we are about is about changing the narrative and it's going to take time but we are, all and all of our partners, are committed to making sure that it happens," Fenner said.

The next phase of the project includes creating affordable housing in the area by the school and YMCA, which is expected to be done by 2020.