History of Gordon Parks Academy

Gordon Parks Academy (GPA) opened its doors as a new school in the fall of 2008 as the district’s second K-8 campus.  When we opened our doors for the first time, all students had to apply to attend and be selected through the magnet selection process to attend an International Baccalaureate or IB school. In the fall of 2012 the elementary portion of GPA became a neighborhood magnet and enrollment increased by 200 students, while the middle school section remains a “pure magnet” and does not have geographical boundaries.

Our school is named after writer, photographer, film director, musician and artist Gordon Parks.  His family was involved in the opening of the school and wanted a horse to be in the mascot of the school in some way.  As the families began to accept placements in Gordon Parks, meetings were held and the name “Trailblazers” was chosen as the name of our mascot for the school. Over the years the symbol to represent us as Gordon Parks Trailblazers has become a horse enclosed in a circle.  

In 2017, our school's magnet theme changed to STEM Leaders in Applied and Media Arts to connect to the school's namesake, Mr. Gordon Parks.  David Parks, Gordon Parks sole remaining child, is an active community member and involved with many magnet themed events that take place throughout the year. We are proud to be Gordon Parks Trailblazers!