City Schools

pathway,” stated Dr. Michele Taylor, superintendent.

The Calhoun Complex (primary and elementary school) had an exciting first day as well. “Traditionally, kindergarten parents are allowed to escort their child to the classroom at a later time in the morning on the first day. This works well. Getting more than 300 anxious kindergartners in the morning mix of traffic presents a challenge each year. The delayed start allows us to give more attention to our newest students to the complex,” states Beth Holcomb, principal of the primary and elementary school. “We’re looking forward to an excellent school year.”

The Campus (middle and high school) began the school year under new leadership. Peter Coombe has taken the reigns as principal for grades 6- 12. “We’ve had a very successful start to the school year. The campus concept will allow us to have seamless transitions for our students and will better prepare them for college and career. I’m proud of our teachers and staff members for their support as we re-think how we do school. A common 6-12 schedule and the addition of an engineering class in our College and Career Academy at Calhoun High School are among the changes we’ve made this year. We are exceeding the black and gold standards at Calhoun Middle and High Schools with more learning opportunities to come,” stated Peter Coombe.

Calhoun City Schools was named Charter System of the Year this past summer for its innovative practices. Calhoun’s Online Learning Academy (COLA) is allowing us to offer even more opportunities for all of our students,” states Monica Pierson, COLA Director. “We have more than 80 students enrolled this semester.” The College and Career Academy at Calhoun High School is also paving the way for more work base learning ( WBL), apprenticeships, partnerships, advanced placement ( AP), dual enrollment, and move on when ready (MOWR) opportunities for our students. Dr. Brittney Wilson, CEO of the Academy and Dr. Brandi Hayes, Workbased Learning Coordinator see huge successes with the Academy’s school within a school concept. “We are preparing our students with 21st century skills needed in the workplace. All of our programs are thriving. The new STEMworks engineering program kicked off this summer with two STEM camps. Students are fired up and ready to play… #GameOn,” Wilson shared.