By Hazel Scott/ASU
In the heart of Alabama State University’s campus, a new chapter in education began when Montgomery’s Valiant Cross Academy (VCA) opened its elementary school at the historic Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center in January 2026. On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., the ASU family and the community are invited to an open house to celebrate this exciting milestone. The VCA school is located at 1100 Tuscaloosa St., which is directly behind the University House on Robert C. Hatch and Tuscaloosa Streets.
The partnership between ASU and VCA is more than a new location. It is a commitment to building a path from kindergarten through higher education, with a particular focus on nurturing future Black leaders and educators. The elementary school currently serves kindergarten to third grade, with future plans to expand through fifth grade. At its helm is Principal Leslie Smiley, an ASU graduate who shares the community’s passion for growth and opportunity.
The school’s location at Zelia Stephens holds deep meaning for VCA’s leadership. Dr. Anthony Brock, VCA’s Head of School and a two-time ASU graduate, recalls beginning his own education at Zelia Stephens alongside his brother Fred, VCA’s co-founder.
“God brought us back full circle from where we started,” Brock said. “This partnership is more than a new school; it’s a promise — a promise that education can open doors, break barriers, and shape a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.”
Brock noted that the open house emphasizes the power of mentorship, family and a shared vision for success.
"Together, ASU President Quinton T. Ross, Jr. and I aim to inspire students, provide scholarships, and create a lasting community impact. The open house will showcase classrooms where eager young learners are ready to break barriers and forge their own paths.”