Board Approves Name for New Magnet Middle School

The school previously known as the "advantage model middle school" now has a new name - Allen Jay Middle. The Board of Education voted Tuesday to approve the name after a 30-day period of public comment.

The new magnet school will retain the name of the building it will occupy, located at 1201 E. Fairfield Road, High Point. The tagline, "A Preparatory Academy," will be used to explain the program's focus on college readiness and leadership.

The school, which is the first of its kind in Guilford County Schools, will blend elements from the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta and the nonprofit KIPP charter schools. Music and movement will be used throughout the day, keeping students energized and engaged. An extended day and extended school year allows for more in-depth instruction.

The school will also have a different look and feel than most other GCS schools, with brightly colored walls and unusual décor. The innovative setting is all part of the effort to get students thinking differently.

Allen Jay Middle will open in August 2013 on the campus of Welborn Academy of Science and Technology, located at 1710 McGuinn Dr., High Point, until renovations are complete at Allen Jay Middle. The renovations were included in the 2008 School Bonds projects.

Allen Jay Middle is accepting applications through Feb. 22 for its first class of 100 fifth-graders. The school will eventually serve students in grades five through eight. Applications are available at www.gcsnc.com/magnet or by calling the student assignment office at 370-8303.

For more information about the school, contact the Southeastern Region office at 378-8800.