Beginning in September 2014, as many 500 students in grades K-5 will trickle into what were once 16 racquetball courts. Those will be converted into 30 classrooms Class sizes will be small. Kindergarten and first grade will be about 15 students per class. Second through fifth grade will be approximately 20.

The proposed Arts Academy Elementary Charter School will mean 50 new jobs for fully certified teachers and other personnel. Applications are being taken now.

A charter for the school will be sought from the Allentown School District, but students will be sought from surrounding school districts.

Calling the location "truly ideal," Dr. Thomas Lubben noted its location near the Baum School of Art, Allentown Museum, Community Music School and the Parkettes. In addition, a 75-space parking lot will make bus drop off and pick-up much easier than at other schools.

Lubben said school would complement the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts in Bethlehem and the Arts Academy Charter School in Salisbury Township. Lubben is the founder of both charter schools.

Lubben said that instead of purchasing the facility, the will lease the facility with a 30-year lease and rent starting at $400,000 per year and growing to $550,000.

In addition to a traditional regular curriculum, arts academy students will have two hours instruction each week in dance, theatre, visual art, and both instrumental and vocal music. At least once a month, they'll also visit the Steel Ice Center for figure skating.