Project L.I.F.T is entering its fifth year of their reform initiative.

Project Leadership and Investment For Transformation (L.I.F.T) is a public/private partnership that supports 9 schools that feed into West Charlotte High School in the west corridor. It’s entering into its fifth year planning and working to the goal: (LIFT)5= 90 X 90 X 90

• 90% graduation rate at West Charlotte High
• 90% composite proficiency rate at all Project L.I.F.T’s schools.
• 90% of all students

The advancements and initiatives for the 2016-2017 school year:

Across Project L.I.F.T:

• In 2013, Project L.I.F.T created tiers of leadership and compensation for teachers to advance their profession through a program called Opportunity Culture. They were the first in the nation to do this, by the way. This year, they have expanded Opportunity Culture to all nine schools.  
• For the first time in a long time, all nine schools have an active and engaged parent board. This ties back to their push with the community engagement initiative.
• Over the last four years, there has been a push to increase internet connected devices in all classrooms. Project L.I.F.T is looking at a 1:1 ratio for device to students in most grade levels.

At Druid Hills Academy:

• Students will now be able to take Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) courses through the expansion of curriculum and course offerings. AVID prepares students for high school, college and career by teaching skills and behaviors for academic success. Computer applications was also added as another means for students to learn real life applications.
• Eureka Math is a curriculum that allows math to be taught in a logical sequence. It explains the “why” in mathematical learning.
• A Verizon grant funded an iPad Air 2 to each 6th, 7th, and 8th grader that they are allowed to take home through their data plan. In the classrooms, teachers will use the iPads for critical thinking and problem solving.

School is back in session.

Don’t let the big, yellow buses scare you — Druid Hills Academy along with Bruns Academy, Thomasboro Academy and Walter G. Byers all began school on July 25. The are on a Continuous Learning Calendar. Less time away from the classroom, but more frequent breaks helps lessen the infamous “I forgot what I did last school year” syndrome. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools on the traditional calendar start back August 29.