EAST POINT, Ga. -- New state test scores show a dramatic improvement in student performance at Conley Hills Elementary School.
"When I arrived here, Conley Hills was one of the lowest-performing schools in the state," said principal Serena Lowe.
The Fulton County school scored a 57 on Georgia's College and Career Ready Performance Index four years ago but jumped to 80 this year.
The latest score is at least 21 points higher than other schools in the area.
"It's like a report card," Lowe added. "We've come from an 'F' student to a 'B' student in four years."
Principal Lowe said the secret is teaching the teachers and holding them accountable.
"We go in and see other teachers work in areas where we need more support," said teacher Marcia Morgan.
"The teachers are able to collaborate," explained teacher Sharnitra Mathis, who was once a student at Conley Hills.
Mathis came back to start her teaching career at the school.
"There's not another place for me. This is home," she said.
The students see it. They benefit from invested teachers.
"If you stumble on something, they help you right away, and you learn it," said fifth-grader Brayden Lane.
Conley Hills struggles with a high poverty rate among students, but no one is making any excuses.
The goal now is even higher test scores next year.
Conley Hills is a Fulton County STEM school and plans to seek state STEM certification next.
