Beecher Hills To APS: Don't Close "Shining Example" Southwest Atlanta School

Several Beecher Hills Elementary parents and supporters told the Atlanta Public Schools board last night that the southwest Atlanta elementary school is one of the best in the community and should not close as part of several proposed redistricting plans.

"I represent all the parents who could not be here tonight," said Elliott Brown, a Beecher Hills parent. "We want to keep our school open. We have an IB program and we are one of the shining examples on the southwest side."

Last August, Beecher celebrated acceptance into the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The school’s IB designation was earned through an intensive review and evaluation of Beecher Hill’s curriculum and staff by the Geneva, Switzerland-based organization that authorizes IB programs in schools throughout the world, according to APS spokesman Keith Bromery.

In addition to several parents like Brown, three pupils spoke before the board with the assistance of an adult to say they love their school and the many activities provided after school for youth.

"I go to Beecher Hills Elementary and I want Beecher Hills to stay open because they give us good homework and I get to do my homework on the days that I go home so I can be on task at school," said one girl named Emma.

Since 1958, Beecher Hills Elementary has been a school where "everyone learns and grows." 

The school's website boasts it has made adequate yearly progress for 10 consecutive years. Beecher is striving to surpass standards set by the Atlanta Public School System and the State of Georgia by 2011.

School clubs include the Beta club, soccer club, math club and environmental club.  Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, basketball and a Men of Distinction mentoring group are also available.

Last fall, Cascade Patch covered the school's "Movies on the Green" family festival. At the time, Beecher Hills had 340 students, grades K-5, and 50 faculty members, according to the report. Also, the story noted, the PTSA has a Beecher Hills Foundation to support raising money for the school based needs that include purchases of sports equipment and learning tools for the teachers.