Georgia Preparatory Academy Open House: Rockdale RYDC

Story information from Mary Catherine Heard

DJJ’s Georgia Preparatory Academy (GPA) is holding a series of Open House events in August and September to kick-off the 2017-2018 school year. Open House allows the parents or guardians of youths housed at Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs) and Youth Development Campuses (YDCs) or attending Education Transition Centers (ETCs) to meet and get to know teachers and educational staff, as well as learn about the curriculum and educational plans for the school year. GPA serves as Georgia’s 181st school district and is accredited by AdvancED. GPA has locations at all 26 DJJ secure facilities around the state and three ETCs. DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles (who also serves as Superintendent of Schools) and Associate Superintendent Jean Lee addressed students and parents via a welcome video.





“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all students and parents to a new school year at Georgia Preparatory Academy. Our schools offer a curriculum aligned with the Georgia Department of Education’s Georgia Standards of Excellence, with opportunities to take vocational and college courses as well,” said Superintendent Niles. “We work very hard every day to address the academic needs of our students. I want to encourage parents or guardians to be active participants in their child’s education while they are enrolled in our programs. My hopes are that all students take this opportunity to participate in the academic success that we offer at the Georgia Preparatory Academy.”





“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all students and parents to a new school year at Georgia Preparatory Academy. Our schools offer a curriculum aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence with opportunities to take vocational and college courses as well,” said Superintendent Niles. “We work very hard every day to address the academic needs of our students. I want to encourage parents to be active participants in their child’s education while they are enrolled in our programs. My hopes are that all students take this opportunity to address and participate in the academic success that we offer at the Georgia Preparatory Academy.”



Associate Superintendent Lee stated, “It is essential that you remain a partner in your child’s education. Our goal is to provide quality educational programs to all of our students while they are here with us. We look forward to seeing you at future events during this school year.”



The Rockdale RYDC in Conyers held its Open House on August 17th. Lead teacher Harold Farmer welcomed parents and discussed the goals and activities for the school year. Additionally, Principal Curtis Davison gave a presentation to parents and encouraged them to continue to stay involved in their child’s education. Parents and family members were then given a tour of the classrooms. Assistant Commissioner Joe Vignati also attended to greet parents and youth, provide support to GPA and answer any questions about DJJ.