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RAPIDES PARISH, La. (KALB) - Bolton is set to convert into an academic and performing arts magnet school starting this August. On January 23, new details on the Bolton Academy were released at the Rapides Parish School Board (RPSB) committee meetings. Bolton’s new principal, Jenifer Scott, laid out the status of Bolton Academy during the board’s education committee. Scott explained new updates, including the hiring of assistant principal Hayley Dean in November, the early stages of marketing and branding, the LSUA partnership and tours that brought approximately 500 attendees in total. According to Scott, Bolton’s enrollment began this month and is ongoing. Bolton’s current enrollment size sits at 248 students, with the highest enrollment numbers pointed at eighth grade with 92 students. Scott said this newest update does not have all the details just yet. “Once we have all our numbers of students who have applied and we have our faculty employed, then we can update some more with the academic offerings,” said Scott. RPSB has not made any decisions on a strategic plan for current students at Bolton, after reviewing zoning options. In December, the board approved the same criteria of a 2.0 and at least an approaching basic on state assessments for 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students to attend the academy in August. The next board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 6.