The 2010-2011 academic year at the Albert Einstein Academy, the Santa Clarita Valley's newest charter school and the first Hebrew charter school in the U.S., starts Monday, Aug. 30.

For the first day of school, students are asked to meet in the multipurpose room at 8:15 am. Subsequent school days will begin at 8:30 am.

Since having its charter approved by the William S. Hart School District in April, school officials have worked at a feverish pace to transform a vacant 16,000-square-foot office building, located at 28141 Kelly Johnson Pkwy. in Valencia, into a vibrant and modern learning institution.

Construction crews worked daily, building new classrooms, laying tile and carpet, painting walls and installing security systems. Brand-new desks and chairs arrived. Technicians installed computers, while teachers set up their classrooms with educational materials, visual aids and supplies.

"It's awesome going to a new school," said one student while waiting in line with his parents to purchase gym clothes and a logoed water bottle at the orientation on Aug.20. "It's like they just built it for us."

Enrollment currently includes grades 7-9, with expansion planned in 2011 to include grades 10-12.

"We're very proud to give parents another choice in public education," said Edward Gika, school principal and one of it founders. "We look forward to giving their children the tools they need to succeed in a 21st century world."

The school will host with a grand opening celebration open to the public on Sunday, Sept. 12.

For more information, visit ealas.org.