A major new chapter is beginning for the historic Humes High School building in North Memphis. The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education has approved the sale of the long-closed campus to New Ballet Ensemble & School, marking a transformative step for the city’s arts and education landscape.
The purchase, finalized for $257,000 in a 6–3 vote on September 30, paves the way for New Ballet to establish a state-of-the-art center for learning and creative expression at 659 N. Manassas St.
“We are overjoyed that the board of Memphis-Shelby County Schools has chosen to accept our offer to purchase the historic Humes High School,” said Katie Smythe, New Ballet founder and chief strategy officer. “Although this is a new venture, our commitment to serving Memphis children from all neighborhoods has not and will not change.”
The former middle school, which closed in 2024, will be reimagined as a dynamic arts education space designed to inspire creativity and community connection. Smythe shared that New Ballet is already partnering with financial supporters and community stakeholders to bring their vision for the new center to life — one she describes as “unlike anything else in the state of Tennessee.”
For nearly two decades, New Ballet has worked with Memphis-Shelby County Schools to bring accessible, high-quality arts programming to students citywide. The organization’s purchase of the Humes property builds on that legacy, expanding opportunities for young artists and families in Uptown, Klondike, and Smokey City neighborhoods.
While early versions of the property’s sale resolution included language about New Ballet potentially operating the school as a district contract school, that provision was removed before the final vote. However, school board members noted that future partnership opportunities remain open.
According to New Ballet’s most recent IRS filing, the organization reported $1.5 million in program service expenses for its fiscal year ending July 2024 — including $1.4 million dedicated to dance education.
“On behalf of the many children whose gifts and talents will flourish here in the years ahead, we are grateful to the MSCS board and Dr. [Roderick] Richmond’s administration for their action this evening,” Smythe said following the board’s approval.
The transformation of Humes High into a creative hub continues a growing movement to revitalize North Memphis through arts, education, and economic opportunity — ensuring that the city’s next generation of artists can learn, grow, and thrive right here at home.
