What we reported Classes began Sept. 21 at Simon Youth Academy at Katy Mills, located at Entrance 7 of the mall. The roughly 5,000-square-foot space was previously a mall storage area and now serves as a continuing education facility for high school students who wish to pursue diplomas. The academy was built and leased by the Simon Youth Foundation and is operated by Katy ISD. The foundation also added KISD’s Martha Raines High School to its network, giving the company a total of 29 locations in 12 states.

The latest Two students have completed graduation requirements, and 23 people are enrolled in Simon Youth Academy at Katy Mills.

What’s next KISD is focused during the first year on building relationships with students to encourage attendance, complete high school and to set goals after high school. The Simon Youth Foundation is in negotiations to create schools in New Jersey, Illinois and Georgia in 2017.

Simon Youth Academy at Katy Mills 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Door 7, Katy 281-396-6050 www.syf.org/academies

This story is one update from The January Issue. View the full list of notable businesses from 2016 here.