High school turned academics from worst to first

High school turned academics from worst to first

(AP) — Five years ago, when Garrick Askew arrived at Lithia Springs High as the new principal, the Douglas County school of 1,500 students was a very different place.

The money funded two labs and salaries for new teachers.

About 65 percent have a course in the morning, and those who don't need one have an enrichment period when they can elect to take guitar, art or photography — something based on their interests.

STEM and Advanced Placement Coordinator Payton Millinor came on board as part of the changes five years ago and helped transform a few science classes into an academy.

"When I got here, they were starting from scratch, and classes were open to any students," she recalled.