In many cities, high schools are the lowest-performing schools. But in Atlanta, it’s elementary schools.
When you're this far behind, you have to hustle to catch up, especially with the risk of state takeover looming. Nineteen Atlanta elementary schools are at risk of state takeover if voters approve Gov. Nathan Deal's Opportunity School District plan this fall.
So about 200 Atlanta elementary students are spending their spring breaks in school in the district's first "vacation academy." The program pairs small groups of students with some of the district's best teachers for a week of intensive work in English, math, social studies or science. Students with low scores on local and state tests were invited to attend. Half the day is spent on academics, but after lunch students have a choice of art, gym, and other activities.
The goal is to fill the small gaps in students’ skills that hold them back from mastering their courses, succeeding at the next grade level — and passing state tests.
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