FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — Montgomery Preparatory Academyofficials said they will cover the cost of their 2022 students' first year at the school, with potential for more help down the road, despite the uncertainty of the Hope Scholarship.

The school, which sits on the property of the old Montgomery High School, held its ribbon cutting Friday in front of incoming students, parents and local officials.

School administrators promise a unique learning environment and more one-on-one attention for students.

Dean Misty McCune, whose son has benefitted from the private school setting, is eager to show the community what the school can offer. The school will house grades 6-12.

"We have accelerated math and accelerated reading," McCune said. "We also work with students who are struggling as well, to bring them up to speed and help them excel."

The building has five classrooms, office space, a Zen room and a shared lounge for students, staff and teachers.

Fifteen students are signed up so far. McCune said there are students registered in every grade except 12. Ronda Keller is excited for her grandson Mason to go there.

"I feel great," Keller said. "We live right around the corner, so he can walk. It's close to home and he's excited."

Mason is looking forward to "making some new friends."

The first 25 students will go for free, with registration fees waived for those relying on the Hope Scholarship. The future of the Hope Scholarship is in jeopardy, now in the hands of the state Supreme Court after a lengthy battle in lower courts.

Chief Executive Officer Daniel Puder said his goal is for the students to be taken care of.

"All kids this year we are waiving registration fee and covering 100% costs this year even in the event of Hope being stalled," Puder said.

Puder said the kids who are enrolled now will be able to continue the Montgomery Preparatory Academy internal scholarship every year until graduation year by year with fulfilling yearly scholarship guidelines. The deadline for the current year's scholarship is Aug. 26.

McCune said she would like to see all kids have the opportunity.

"Next year we'll continue to work hard to extend those efforts the best we can," McCune said. "We're year-to-year to figure this out, and we do hope that the Hope Scholarship comes so that even more students than that 25 can attend. That would be wonderful. Every student deserves that choice."

McCune reports the school will accept students throughout the year, as there are still several open spots.

"I will take them anytime they are willing to take that dedicated step into the next part of their future," McCune said.

Montgomery Preparatory Academy begins classes Monday, Aug. 22.