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The Georgia Lighthouse Schools to Watch Program has identified four new Lighthouse Middle Schools. This recognition comes following an extensive process that involved evaluating the initial written applications, the selection of schools from among applicants that warranted two-day site visits by a team of middle level educators, and ultimately the identification of both Lighthouse Schools and Beacon Schools. These schools will serve as models and mentors to other schools as they continue their own school improvement programs. The Georgia program is primarily a long-term school and faculty improvement program not a one-time recognition. Selected schools will be revisited every other year as they pursue the nationally recognized criteria for high-performing middle schools.
Mercer Middle School is a rather unique school. It is at once a Charter School, a Magnet School, a Pay for Performance School, and a practitioner of Renzulli's School Enrichment Model. The student body of almost 800 in grades six through eight is 69% African American. This pioneering middle school has succeeded in raising student achievement above district and state levels through such efforts as a school-wide emphasis on writing. A stable and committed faculty sets the tone for a comfortable but business-like atmosphere. Students are heavily involved in the life of the school in many ways. The Academies of Inquiry and Talent Development that put teams of adults and students together across grade levels to work on interest-centered, product-oriented activities is a distinctive feature.
Principal, Gloria Dukes (912) 965-6700