A Second Chance

Courtesy: MJ Bridgescape Academy

For students at the new Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy, Monday's return to school was anything but routine. The school, which opened in Durham's Performance Learning Center, is giving students who dropped out of high school another chance. The former basketball star teamed up with EdisonLearning, an education service provider, to help students at low-performing, urban schools. According to program director, Lorenzo Johnson Jr., the academy is "tailored to each student's individual needs." The academy also provides counselors to assist students in bridging gaps to their graduation. All-in-all, the aim of this new academy is to drive down drop out rates in the district and help more students earn their diplomas.

I believe this is a very innovative idea for a school district to do. I found a particular interest in this story because I came from the Durham Public School district and I know firsthand about the drop out troubles. I have never experienced something like this but I am sure that people who go through this experience some very hard times. I feel that, with this academy, the future is bright for students in the Durham Public School district.

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