The Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy will celebrate the end of its third year this month. Starting with offering pre-k through fifth grade in 2016, Hollis has been adding a new grade each year. With the 2019-2020 school year, the Academy’s expansion will be complete.

Principal Diamond Ford has led the turnaround of the school from the beginning, taking a holistic approach to promoting student success. The school applies a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) lens throughout instruction.

With the support of the Westside Future Fund and Atlanta Public Schools partnership, the Hollis community benefits from a number of initiatives, including a reduced student-teacher ratio (with two teachers or a lead teacher and para-professional in each classroom), Healing Community Center on-site clinic, CHRIS 180 counselor support, food pantry with Atlanta Community Food Bank, parent-led groups for career training and Standing With Our Neighbors program with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation.