Kelly's Story -- Her daughter went from hating school to thriving.

Here is Kelly's story in her own words:

My youngest daughter went to what our BOE deems “a school of excellence”. She made good grades, yet every morning was a battle to get her to school. I had to play Dr. and determine if she was really sick or looking for a reason not to go to school. This went on for over a year. The next year would be middle school and those are the toughest years of a child’s school life. I had heard of the Charter School in Cherokee County and thought that may be a good option for my daughter. She hated her school to the point it was making her ill, I had to do something. I put her name in the lottery and we won.

She started 6th grade at CCA last year and now is in 7th. She loves going to school. Even when she is sick she wants to go. Math is her least favorite subject. In her old school she could do the math, but she never understood it, now she understands what she is doing. Science has become one of her favorite subjects learning with hands on techniques. My daughter feels important in her classroom, no longer just another student. She at 12 years old has been active in the political process of getting HB 1162 passed, going to a rally at the Capitol, writing letters to her Senators and House representatives. This has led her to run and be elected as vice president of her student government. She is in BETA Club, Future educators of America, the STRIVE program has made her conscious of her community and she had done many hours of community service. My daughter is no longer just doing ok but she is thriving. She is in an accelerated academic program that her old school does not offer. She is not alone, there are numerous children getting this opportunity.

I have high expectations of my children’s education. My son is a Physician and my older daughter just graduated from Emory University with a Phd in Chemistry. I want the same for my youngest who just was not a fit for Traditional Public School.

There are excellent schools in Cherokee County. If you are a parent I hope that your child is thriving, but what happens if there comes a day when they are not thriving. What happens if they redistrict you into another school district? You will want the ability to make a choice to do what is best for your child. Don’t lose your choice, you may need it one day.