Memphis, October 7, 2025
News Summary
The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board has approved the sale of Humes High School for $257,000 to New Ballet Ensemble. The building will be transformed into an arts-focused educational center for students in grades 6-12, aiming to integrate high-quality academics with professional arts training. Despite a proposal for the center to operate as a district contract school being removed, New Ballet plans to maintain a connection with local schools. This project is part of an initiative to revitalize North Memphis and foster community engagement through the arts.
Memphis
The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education has officially approved the sale of the Humes High School building, which has remained closed since 2024. The sale, finalized on September 30 in a 6โ3 vote, was agreed upon for $257,000. The New Ballet Ensemble & School plans to transform the building, located at 659 N. Manassas St, into a center for learning and creative expression focused primarily on middle and high school students in grades 6-12.
New Ballet aims to foster both creativity and community connection with the development of this new educational center. The organization has a history of prioritizing accessible arts education in Memphis, particularly in the Uptown, Klondike, and Smokey City neighborhoods. The initiative is designed to integrate high-quality academics with professional arts and technology instruction for young artists in the region.
While the initial proposal included a provision for New Ballet to operate the new center as a district contract school, this aspect was amended and removed prior to the final vote. Nevertheless, opportunities for future partnerships with the Memphis-Shelby County Schools remain a possibility.
In its most recent IRS filing, New Ballet reported $1.5 million in program service expenses, with about $1.4 million specifically allocated to dance education. The transformation of the Humes High building is part of a broader effort to revitalize North Memphis through arts and education, aiming to provide a range of unique opportunities for young artists.
New Ballet Ensemble has a rich history spanning two decades of collaboration with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, offering valuable arts programming. As part of the launch efforts for the new school, New Ballet plans to operate temporarily under the name “MEMArts.” This initiative has been developed following feedback from students, parents, and community advocates.
The reimagined campus will serve not only as an educational institution but also as a community hub aimed at connecting local families and fostering a love for the arts. New Ballet’s commitment to the arts is expected to bring new life to the area while also equipping students with essential skills for their future endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the sale price of the Humes High School building?
The sale was approved for $257,000.
What is the address of the new center being created?
The address of the new center is 659 N. Manassas St.
What grades will the new school focus on?
The new school will focus on grades 6-12.
How much were the program service expenses reported by New Ballet?
New Ballet reported $1.5 million in program service expenses.
What temporary name will New Ballet use as part of its launch efforts?
New Ballet plans to operate temporarily under the name “MEMArts.”
Key Features of the New Ballet Ensemble Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sale Price | $257,000 |
| Location | 659 N. Manassas St. |
| Target Grades | Grades 6-12 |
| Program Expenses | $1.5 million |
| Temporary Name | MEMArts |
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