Freedom Preparatory Academy

A charter school focused on preparing kids for college and life

Located within Birmingham’s historic Titusville community, Freedom Prep Academy transforms the former Our Lady of Fatima campus into a renewed investment in education and opportunity. The adaptive reuse preserves an important piece of community history while creating a modern charter school environment designed to serve future generations of students and families.

The historic significance of Our Lady of Fatima as part of one of the oldest African-American Catholic church campuses in the Birmingham Diocese informed both the site selection and the project’s preservation-focused design approach.

More than a school renovation, the project represents a meaningful reinvestment in Titusville—supporting neighborhood revitalization, strengthening community identity, and reinforcing education as a catalyst for long-term growth and opportunity.

LocationBirmingham, AL
Project Type
Education

A new four stop elevator and mezzanine were inserted within the existing gymnasium, seamlessly connecting all levels of the school.

Distinctive finishes help define each floor:

First floor: blue tile and carpeting paired with
orange hallways and accent walls

Second floor: the inverse palette, with orange flooring and carpeting complemented by blue hallways and accent walls

A historic library was transformed into two classrooms,
preserving its built‑in shelving and reading bench as
character‑defining features.

The former ecclesiastical administration area now functions as a modern breakroom and
conferencing suite.

A new commercial kitchen supports the school’s daily operational needs.

In the rear of the school, new exterior hardscaping was added for accessible loading and unloading.

With excellence, integrity, responsibility, respect, and community at the heart of its culture, Freedom Preparatory Academy is poised to deepen its impact in Birmingham, ensuring every student receives a strong foundation for future success.

LET’S CREATE SOMETHING GREAT.