Houston County School Gives Students ‘Edge’ to Graduate

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — For some students on the verge of graduating high school, the Edge Academy is just what they need. It’s a computer based program where students can gain initial credit or make up credits that they are lacking.

“They’ve targeted students who are five or more credits behind and the goal is to get them to catch up here at Edge,” said Edge Academy’s Lead Administrator Dr. Shirley Randall.

The ultimate goal is to get students back to their home school for graduation. Warner Robins High School senior Courtney Cox sees the program as a second chance.

Cox said, “I missed a lot of days in my sophomore year and I fell behind in credits so I’m here to make those up so I can graduate with my class.”

Students make progress at their own pace, without the distractions of a traditional classroom.

Student Atyre Lewis said, “I thought it was an alternative school, like I did something bad but when I got here I realized it was to help me catch up with my credits.”

The student’s home school determines if enrollment into the academy is right for them.

Dr. Randall added, “There are no frills, you go to class, you work, we have a break, lunch and that’s all the frills that they get.”

Without the frills, Edge students say they stay in the zone and get more work done. It gives them the edge they need to succeed.

Edge Academy is located at the Elberta Center in Warner Robins. Approximately 80 students from five high schools are enrolled. This is the program’s first year, and Dr. Randall says already more than a dozen students will go back to their home campus at the end of the semester.