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Jalen Rose Leadership Academy Opens In Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) - Monday marked the first day of school for 120 students entering the newly opened Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in northwest Detroit.

The school, near the Lodge and 8 Mile, is a ninth through 12th grade college-prep high school.

Members of the JLRA class of 2015. (WWJ Photo/Mike Campbell)

Former University of Michigan Fab Five member Jalen Rose, who founded the school, admitted he was a bit nervous, but was enthusiastic on the first day of class.

"I'm very excited," Rose told WWJ Newsradio 950's Mike Campbell.

"But, just like any parent and any person that's taken on a philanthropic endeavor, you want everything to be perfect. You want all the students to get straight A's. You want everyone to have perfect attendance. You want all families to be actively involved and engaged," he said.

Rose spoke to the 120 students and welcomed them to the school at an assembly Monday afternoon.

One ninth grader said she's hoping to get a lot out of her new school.

"I'm going to get an education and go to a good college afterward, meet a lot of new people," she said.

Science teacher Jenn Bargarti also has high expecations.

"I'm very, very impressed with the students and with the staff," she said. "Everyone in the staff is excited and has new ideas. And the kids are participating in everything, which you never see in high school."

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