Education
Education

At Cross Keys, conquering Spanish language barrier key to success

By Marlon A. Walker
Nov 8, 2016

Principal Jason Heard couldn’t reach his parents.

It wasn't just that they weren't involved in their child's education. They didn't understand it. At Cross Keys High School, 86 percent of the student population is Hispanic or Latino. Many of their parents speak English as a second language, if at all.

An A — or an F — was just a letter on a piece of paper.

Heard, who became Cross Keys’ principal in 2014, felt reaching the parents would boost student achievement. A recent state report showing the school’s graduation rate increased nearly 33 percent was proof that parent outreach is working, he said.

ExploreRead more at myAJC.com.

About the Author

Marlon A. Walker is an education reporter covering DeKalb County.

Follow Marlon A. Walker on facebookFollow Marlon A. Walker on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

A man puts his head in his hands during an Atlanta school board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. Atlanta Public Schools held its final vote on school consolidation plans, approving several school closures. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Atlanta board of education approves school consolidation plan

The Atlanta school board voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve a consolidation plan, which would result in some school closures in a couple of years.

Atlanta parents, residents object to plans to close some schools

Due to lower enrollment and climbing costs, 16 school buildings would be repurposed under the plan, with several schools closing and their students rezoned for other schools.

Kennesaw State modifies operations on Marietta campus due to gas leak

KSU officials said the campus is safe, but internet and heat for some buildings on campus are out.

The Latest

A man puts his head in his hands during an Atlanta school board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. Atlanta Public Schools held its final vote on school consolidation plans, approving several school closures. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Atlanta board of education approves school consolidation plan

Kennesaw State modifies operations on Marietta campus due to gas leak

New Fulton charter school aims to move students on a path to success

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta opens door on first modular rapid-housing for homeless residents

The first-of-its-kind development, Waterworks Village, overlooks the nearby reservoir. It's part of Mayor Andre Dickens' initiative to build 500 units of for the unhoused.

57m ago
POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Local GOP sees ‘danger’ in a chaotic race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene

Republican leaders in Georgia's 14th Congressional District worry a crowded field in a special election could give Democrats a chance to win.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Two centennials, one story: Delta and the Atlanta airport

Delta Air Lines and Hartsfield-Jackson both turn 100 this year, and you can’t tell the story of one without the other.