Smyrna Charter School Refocuses On Educating K-6 Grades

SOUTH COBB, GA -- It's been a rough academic year for the International Academy of Smyrna. The 10-year-old school was written off just three weeks ago when the Cobb County School District voted 6-1 not to renew its charter. But a reprieve was granted when the State Charter Schools Commission (SCSC) voted last week to offer IAS a three-year probationary charter.

The trouble began when the Academy turned in sub-par scores for two straight years, according to a state Education Department report card, as Patch previously reported. The school also scored below average in its district and at the state level, leading education officials to recommend not renewing the charter.

But according to an academy news release, the commission's decision to let the charter expire was largely based on the Cobb school district's "failure to act as a suitable authorizer, resulting in a lack of consistent and transparent support for IAS."

Charter School In Smyrna Could Be Closed Down: Report

The notion that the academy's academic performance was perceived as not in step with other schools in the district remains a sore point. “Honestly, we feel vindicated. We were characterized as being a failing school, when, in reality, we managed to keep our heads above water despite the cards we were dealt,” IAS Board Chair Cornell Longino said.

Although the new lease on life bolsters the school's standing on the academic front and among parents, it meant that the school has had to refocus: The academy will no longer offer seventh- and eighth grade education.

Board votes to close Smyrna charter school

The K-6 academy will now offer a Sixth Grade Global Academy as a bonus year for its students to prepare for middle school. “Losing grades seven and eight was one of the most difficult parts of this process. However, under our new structure, we will continue to grow and build IAS for the future, starting with our primary grades,” IAS Principal Kari Schrock said in the news release.

“Now that the School has a renewed charter, we will continue the work of serving our students,” Schrock said.

Image via Patch file photo