OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — After a year of construction and anticipation, the Helix, A.I. and Medical Academy is officially complete and opening its doors for the public to see for the first time.

“A year ago, were standing on this ground,” President of Helix, Preston Castille, said. “It was dirt, it was grass. And now we have a beautiful facility and we’re looking forward to having the kids come enjoy it. But more importantly, learn about A.I. and health care.

The academy gives children who attend in depth curriculum that includes an introduction to Artificial Intelligence as early as kindergarten, along with hands on medical field experience with local medical facilities.

With the ribbon cutting ceremony concluded, News 10 was able to not only tour the facility, but we heard from Jennifer Gordon, the principal of the school, about her excitement for the new educational opportunities for students in the city.

“And one student in particular asked, ‘I know we’re going to be learning about A.I., but are we going to learn how to generate our own A.I.?’ We’re going to get there, baby steps. But it just really showed how excited the kids are and how ready they are,” Gordon said.

This was just phase one, as kindergarten through fifth graders will be in school this year with plans for higher grade levels in the years to follow.

“I can’t wait to have our kids here for the first day of school in August and start to build that family, that community, that we so desperately need in this area,” Gordon said.

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